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Technology Scan

Insights, Examples & Case Studies

Keep pace with what’s next. This collection brings together practical case studies, working examples, and in-depth whitepapers that explore how technology is reshaping project delivery, engineering, and operations. Each piece focuses on what was done, how it worked, and the measurable results — not just theory or hype.

Our Technology Scan program also looks ahead, identifying new and emerging technologies — including those with low Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) — that show strong potential to change how industrial projects are designed and executed. We help bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and scalable, field-ready application, supporting pilots, proof-of-concept programs, and deployment across portfolios.

Explore the collection to see:

Case studies demonstrating measurable impact and repeatable outcomes
Examples of digital tools, data systems, and automation methods in action
Whitepapers that break down the methods, governance, and scaling models behind them

Whether you’re evaluating a prototype, refining a workflow, or scaling a digital solution across assets, these resources highlight real results and forward-looking insights that can help turn emerging tech into operational advantage.

*the experience described is our own however, the effort was performed for another organization.

Case: Deep, Dark and Dangerous

Testing the Limits of Underground Autonomy:

Evaluating Level 9 Collision Avoidance in Complex Orebodies

A leading mining company set out to explore the next step in underground safety automation — implementing Level 9 collision avoidance systems (CAS) capable of full autonomous braking, as defined by EMESRT. The goal was to enhance worker safety and operational consistency across a mixed underground fleet operating in polymetallic orebodies.

What appeared to be a straightforward technology trial quickly revealed the deeper technical and geological complexities of deploying high-level autonomy underground.

Challenge

The geology of the orebody presented a major barrier. Its high mineral content created radio interference and unpredictable signal behavior — a potential showstopper for a system dependent on uninterrupted communication between vehicles.

Compounding the challenge, the operation’s fleet was diverse in manufacturer, model, and age. Retrofitting intervention hardware and sensors across such a varied mix demanded precise engineering integration and calibration to ensure reliable, standardized performance.

Approach

Our team led the technology scan, evaluation, and testing program, structuring the initiative to balance technical rigor, safety, and operational feasibility.

We began with a market-wide survey of collision avoidance technologies aligned to EMESRT Level 9 standards, then established key performance criteria around communication reliability, system response, interoperability, and installation complexity. From there, we interviewed shortlisted vendors, reviewed safety documentation, and performed a detailed hazard and risk assessment to map potential failure modes before field testing.

When preparing for underground validation, we identified one test scenario that would expose personnel to unnecessary risk. To address this, we co-developed a robotic testing solution that replaced a human in the hazard zone — enabling safe, repeatable verification of autonomous braking and sensor response without direct exposure. This innovation became a model for future technology validation programs.

Finally, we conducted on-site trials under real geological and fleet conditions, collecting operational data to evaluate system behavior across multiple configurations and scenarios.

Results

The results were clear and evidence-based. While the tested systems performed well in surface or controlled environments, reliability dropped significantly underground due to communication instability and latency. The assessment concluded that the underground market for Level 9 collision avoidance systems is not yet mature enough for large-scale investment.

Value and Impact

Safety Innovation: Introduced a robotic testing solution that removed personnel from high-risk validation steps.
Strategic Insight: Delivered an objective, data-backed readiness assessment to guide future technology adoption.
Cost Avoidance: Prevented premature capital expenditure on systems not yet fit for underground conditions.
Industry Learning: Provided valuable feedback to technology developers to improve communication and system resilience.
Collaboration: Strengthened partnerships between engineering, operations, and technology suppliers through structured, transparent evaluation.

Summary

Reaching Level 9 collision avoidance in underground environments is not simply a matter of technology — it requires stable communications, robust integration, and system maturity proven under real-world conditions.

Through structured evaluation and the use of robotic testing, we demonstrated a safe, practical, and data-driven pathway for assessing emerging autonomous systems — helping the industry move closer to fully realized underground automation.