Russia Has Developed a Unique Underground Mapping Drone
In Russia, engineers have completed trials of a groundbreaking underground SLAM‑drone that can independently navigate and build precise 3D maps of mine shafts — without GPS. The technology marks a major leap in industrial safety and digitalization.
A Breakthrough for Underground Safety
Russia successfully tested the first domestic InnoSpector drone — an autonomous system developed by Innopolis University on request from Nornickel. Unlike traditional UAVs, the device uses SLAM technology, processing data from onboard cameras and lidar sensors in real time. This allows it to determine its own position while simultaneously building a high‑precision 3D map of underground tunnels where satellite signals cannot reach.
According to Sergey Sobolev, Director of Mine Surveying Support at Nornickel’s Polar Division, only two countries in the world have developed such systems — and one of them is Russia. The innovation directly addresses one of the most dangerous tasks in mining: inspecting unstable areas without sending people into hazardous zones.
Capable of Navigating the Toughest Spaces
Trials at the Oktyabrsky mine confirmed the system’s advanced capabilities. Chief surveyor Denis Ilyin noted that the drone passed through narrow passages, curved tunnels, and even L‑shaped corridors up to 90 meters long — all without requiring constant line‑of‑sight control from an operator.
The drone produces detailed 3D models with accuracy within 2 centimeters, complete with coordinates tied to the mine’s internal mapping system. This level of precision makes it invaluable for surveying vertical ore passes, inclined shafts, and other locations that typically demand significant safety precautions.
A New Standard for the Mining Industry
InnoSpector fundamentally changes the workflow of mining engineers. The drone does not require deep technical skills to operate, allowing surveyors to quickly collect and analyze mapping data on‑site. This dramatically reduces inspection time while eliminating the need for personnel to enter dangerous underground spaces.
The technology also carries major export potential. As global mining companies search for safer, more automated solutions, Russia’s entry into the SLAM‑drone market positions it as a serious competitor capable of offering advanced, industrial‑grade systems.
