Australian Droid + Robot–Intel edge platform: safety and mapping gains for mine teams
Reviewed by Tom Sullivan

First reported on International Mining – News
30 Second Briefing
Australian Droid + Robot has formed a strategic collaboration with Intel to integrate Intel edge computing hardware into its Explora XL rugged underground robotics platform, targeting deep and inaccessible mine workings. The upgraded Explora XL is designed to process LiDAR, video and sensor data on-board rather than via surface links, enabling faster mapping, inspection and decision-making in areas with poor communications. For geotechnical and operations teams, this supports remote stope and drive inspections, ground-condition assessment and re-entry checks without exposing personnel to unsupported ground or irrespirable atmospheres.
Technical Brief
- On-board compute is sized to handle simultaneous LiDAR point-cloud processing, multi-camera video and multi-sensor fusion.
- Removing reliance on continuous comms links reduces failure modes associated with leaky-feeder or fibre outages in headings.
- Remote inspection capability directly targets exposure to unsupported backs, potential rockfall zones and irrespirable atmospheres.
- Platform is aimed at deep-level and highly-inclined workings where conventional tele-remote vehicles struggle with signal latency.
- Intel hardware support enables deployment of heavier perception and autonomy algorithms without upgrading mine-side servers.
- Safety case is centred on substituting personnel with robots for statutory inspections in high-risk stopes and drives.
- Similar edge-enabled robots could support re-entry, fall-of-ground investigation and seismic damage assessment in other underground mines.
Our Take
Among the 882 Mining stories in our database, there are relatively few Australia-focused pieces centred on robotics and ‘edge computing’, so this ADR–Intel link-up marks a niche but growing intersection of mining and high-end IT vendors.
For underground operators in Australia, pairing ADR’s platforms with Intel hardware signals a shift from trial deployments of tele-remote gear towards more permanent, OEM-backed digital infrastructure that can host multiple safety and productivity applications at the face.
With this tagged under both Safety and Product, it aligns with a cluster of recent items where technology suppliers, rather than miners, are driving risk reduction underground, suggesting service and licensing models may increasingly capture value from mine digitalisation rather than pure equipment sales.
Prepared by collating external sources, AI-assisted tools, and Geomechanics.io’s proprietary mining database, then reviewed for technical accuracy & edited by our geotechnical team.
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