Automation and robotics for safer mines and smarter operations
Official title: Research and Technological Innovations in Automation, Robotics, and Intelligent Mining Systems for Transformative Improvements in Workplace Safety, Health, and Efficiencies
Funded at Missouri University of Science & Technology · NIH-11388777 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large NIH-style grant supports developing smart, autonomous systems to make mining safer and more efficient for workers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Missouri University of Science & Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $2,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U60OH012685-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388777 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Not applicable (this is an engineering/industrial safety grant; no direct patient participation involved)
✕Less likely to help
People not involved in mining operations may not directly benefit
What this research studies
This project aims to push forward intelligent automation and robotics in the U.S. mining industry to reduce fatalities and injuries. It will build AI/ML tools to analyze data, predict hazards, and manage ARI (autonomous, robotic, and intelligent) systems. It also focuses on cyber security, human-centered design, and reliable data transfer to keep operations safe and trusted by workers. The work will be conducted through the MERIT Center at Missouri S&T, with collaborators from NMT, mining partners, and NIOSH, over several years.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, miners could work in safer environments with smarter systems that anticipate hazards and improve response.
How similar studies have gone: Prior mining safety innovations reduced accidents; this project extends AI, cyber security, and human-centered design to further reduce fatalities
Where this research is happening
-
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Rolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Frimpong, Samuel — Missouri University of Science & Technology
- Study coordinator: Frimpong, Samuel
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.