Mining systems and field robotics
Offroad Robotics is a multidisciplinary research facility that supports field robotics and systems automation R&D for the mining and exploration industries. The Offroad Robotics research equipment includes a host of mobile robot platforms and associated software, from small robots to access challenging environments (e.g. multiple Husky A200 ground vehicles and AscTec Pelican UAV) to automation-ready full-scale machines. The Kubota robotic R520S wheel loader and robotic RTV900XT utility truck are both diesel-powered and hydraulically actuated robotic vehicles. They are suitable for machine robotics and automation R&D at a variety of possible field sites and at Queen’s own field-testing sites near Kingston. All Offroad Robotics platforms have access to a range of IP-rated sensors, including several SICK LMS scanning laser rangefinders, a SwissRanger TOF camera, a Velodyne LiDAR, high-accuracy GPS systems, high-quality IMUs, Wi-Fi and RFID communications and other specialized sensing equipment.
Field robotics, mining robotics, autonomous vehicles, perception and navigation algorithms, control systems design, system prototyping, robotics software development, modelling and simulation, field studies
- Aerospace and satellites
- Automotive
- Construction (including building, civil engineering, specialty trades)
- Defence and security industries
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Forestry and forest-based industries
- Mining, minerals and metals
Specialized labs and equipment
| Specialized Lab | Equipment | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Offroad Robotics | Robotic Kubota R520S wheel loader | Fully equipped with a host of sensors (e.g. LiDAR, GPS, IMU, odometry) and communications systems, as well as robot control software |
| Robotic Kubota RTV900XT utility truck | Fully equipped with a host of sensors (e.g. LiDAR, GPS, IMU, odometry) and communications systems, as well as robot control software | |
| Clearpath Husky mobile robot | Fully customizable for deployment with any configuration of sensors | |
| AscTec Pelican UAV | Equipped with monocular camera and LiDAR sensors | |
| Offroad Robotics at the Queen’s Mining Field Test Site | Field Test Site
| Queen’s Mining’s Field Test Site provides space for field equipment preparation and outdoor testing, especially for large mobile equipment. Offroad Robotics has access to tens of acres of outdoor testing grounds near Verona, Ontario, including an indoor workshop and a garage bay, as well as outdoor muck piles and rough terrain for pre-field prototyping and testing. |
| Offroad Robotics at Jackson Hall | Simulation Space
| Prototyping, office, and computer-based simulation space. The Offroad Robotics research laboratory is equipped with mechatronics workstations, mobile computing equipment and indoor development space in Jackson Hall on Queen’s main campus. |
Private and public sector research partners
- General Dynamics Land Systems-Canada
- Barrick Gold Corporation
- Clearpath Robotics
- Epiroc AB
- RockMass Technologies
- Cameco Corporation
- MDA Space Missions
- European Space Agency
- Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
- Ontario Government
- Mitacs
- Centre for Planetary Science and Exploration (CPSX)
- NSERC Canadian Robotics Network (NCRN)
Additional information
| Title | URL |
|---|---|
| Offroad Robotics publications on QSpace | https://qspace.library.queensu.ca/handle/1974/13998 |
New technology developed at Queen's University will improve mining safety
| https://www.queensu.ca/gazette/media/news-release-new-technology-developed-queens-university-will-improve-mining-safety |
| Mining venture strikes gold in pitch contest | http://www.queensu.ca/gazette/stories/mining-venture-strikes-gold-pitch-contest |