NIOSH seeking proposals for robotic mine-rescue technology

Washington – NIOSH’s Office of Mine Safety and Health Research is seeking proposals for robotic technologies or systems that can help improve self-escape and rescue efforts in the event of a mine disaster.

The proposed systems or technologies should be able to:

• Be lowered through boreholes and then navigate through the mine while providing both visual and atmospheric information to operators at the surface
• Explore thousands of feet ahead of rescue teams
• Remove injured miners or carry heavy loads for the rescue teams on a fully or semi-autonomous basis

NIOSH is asking for technologies or systems in which the robot’s components cannot inadvertently ignite an explosive environment. Submissions are due May 14.