Underwater robotics mining project in tests in Ireland

Underwater robotics mining project in tests in Ireland

INESC TEC participates in the iVAMOS! Project, which has a budget of EUR 12.6 million, and aims to mining flooded landmines. This project started in February of 2015.

14th November 2018

The tests and the final demonstration of the iVAMOS! Project took place at the Silvermines mine, Ireland, between 24 September and 2 November. A team of CRAS, composed of Eduardo Silva, José Almeida, Carlos Almeida, Bruno Matias, Ricardo Pereira, Eduardo Soares, Henrique Silva and Caio Lomba, carried out tests with the positioning, navigation and “awareness” systems, which were developed by INESC TEC, allowing the efficient and automatic operation of the system (which includes a robotic mining machine with 27 tonnes, a supporting boat), through a virtual reality interface. It also includes the innovative autonomous underwater vehicle (EVA – Exploration VAMOS AUV), which was developed by INESC TEC to support the mining activity.

The goal of ¡VAMOS! is to develop a robotic prototype for the underwater mining, as well as associated launch and collection equipment, and also to carry out tests in operating scenarios in order to assess its efficiency and economic impact.

 

The researchers mentioned in this news piece are associated with INESC TEC and P.Porto-ISEP.