Coal mine inspection robot debuts in Shanxi

The first domestic coal-mine inspection robot to carry out dangerous underground operations recently completed industrial tests in Shanxi province, according to an announcement from Jinneng Holding Group on April 9.

The robot was developed by Tongda Science and Technology Research Institute of Shanxi Science and Technology Institute Co, a subsidiary of Jinneng Holding Group.

With all-terrain capabilities, the robot is controlled by long-distance wireless remote control and its effective communication distance exceeds 300 meters in a straight tunnel environment.

"The robot's environmental detection equipment can identify environmental constraints related to methane, carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, oxygen, temperature, humidity and pressure differentials," said Wang Lidong from the institute. "It also has the function of infrared image acquisition. The image system on the tripod head can complete horizontal and vertical continuous rotation to realize environmental detection in hazardous areas."

The development and application of the robot have pioneered a new mechanism for detecting hazardous gases and environments underground, providing important equipment support for the intelligent and unmanned construction of coal mines.

Currently, the robot has met the national safety standards for mining product design, and it has since been deployed in Tashan coal mine in the province's Datong city.