Robots and smart systems to make mining workplaces safer and healthier
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-11113773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project builds robots, AI tools, and secure networks to help prevent injuries and deaths for miners.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $2,000,000 |
| NIH project number | 5U60OH012685-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11113773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are miners, site supervisors, contractors, and emergency responders who work in underground or surface mining operations and interact with automated or robotic equipment.
✕Less likely to help
People who do not work in mining or whose roles do not interact with automation or robotics are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project.
What this research studies
If you work in mining, this program aims to bring together robots, artificial intelligence, and safer communications so your job is less dangerous. Researchers at Missouri S&T and partner schools will create AI-driven monitoring and prediction tools, strengthen cybersecurity for automated gear, and design changes with workers in mind so new systems fit real tasks. The team will test equipment and procedures with industry partners and emergency responders to refine how people and machines work together. The goal is safer operations across U.S. mining sites and faster, more reliable responses when things go wrong.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could cut injuries and fatalities in mines and make everyday mining jobs safer and less stressful.
How similar studies have gone: Robotics and automation have improved safety in some mining tasks before, but combining AI analytics, cybersecurity, and human-centered system design at this scale is relatively new.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Helping underground miners escape safely during emergencies
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Automation and robotics for safer mines and smarter operations
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How iron-collecting molecules help bacteria and fungi cause infections
Researchers are studying how certain bacteria and fungi steal iron from the human body by making siderophores, with the goal of finding new ways to block infections.
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Improving safety for miners during emergencies
This study is all about making mining safer during emergencies by creating better communication tools, training programs, and safety measures, so miners can confidently escape dangerous situations and work alongside robots when needed.
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.