A robot that searches the seabed for manganese nodules
For a future with more and more electric cars, innovations in the field of raw material extraction are urgently needed. The Canadian company Impossible Metals now wants to make a decisive difference with its idea breakthrough (via hot) achieved. The first test of the diving robot “Eureka 1” was recently successfully completed. His mission: search for polymetallic nodules on the seabed and protect the environment as much as possible thanks to modern technology.
As the developers proudly announce, they want to be able to celebrate a real world premiere with the “selective extraction of raw materials on the seabed”. This success was made possible by three important “key technologies” that were developed in the company’s own laboratories. “Eureka 1” has a fast drive motor that enables precise positioning. The raw materials are then mined by a series of robotic arms, which in turn receive their control commands from an AI-supported image processing system.
“The success of this first field test is an important milestone for the company towards demonstrating the technical feasibility of an autonomous, AI-driven system that hovers above the seabed and selectively harvests nodules,” said Jason Gillham, CTO and co-founder in the release for the first successful test.
Impact on global supply chains
Impossible Metals announces quite ambitious plans. By 2026, the aim is to have developed the technology to such an extent that it can be used on a large scale. If it is possible to use large fleets of underwater robots economically, one would definitely have a powerful new tool at hand for mining critical metals.
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