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ROBOMINERS developed a bio-inspired, modular, and reconfigurable robot-miner designed for small and difficult-to-access deposits. The project aimed to create a prototype robot capable of mining underground, underwater, or above water, which could be delivered in modules to the deposit via a large-diameter borehole. 

In the envisioned ROBOMINERS technology line, mining will take place underground, underwater in a flooded environment. A large diameter borehole is drilled from the surface to the mineral deposit. A modular mining machine is delivered in modules via the borehole. This will then self-assemble and begin its operation.  

The project successfully demonstrated proof of concept (TRL-4) for the feasibility of this innovative mining approach. This was achieved through the design and construction of a new amphibious robot Miner Prototype, which integrated technologies from advanced robotics, mechatronics, and mining engineering. Laboratory experiments validated the robot's key functions, including modularity, configurability, selective mining ability, and resilience under a range of operating scenarios.