UNEXMIN: developing an autonomous underwater explorer for flooded mines

Abstract

The UNEXMIN project (Underwater Explorer for Flooded Mines) is developing an autonomous multi-platform robotic system that can gather geological data whilst exploring and creating 3D maps of flooded underground mines. In 2017, the project consortium is developing software and hardware for autonomous navigation, 3D mapping, and data post-processing tools. The first of three robotic prototypes will be finished by early 2018. Once construction of this prototype is completed, field trials will commence in four flooded underground mines in Europe. The UNEXMIN multi-platform robotic system will be able to retrieve valuable geological and spatial data that cannot be currently obtained.