Modular Submersible Robot for Exploring Flooded Infrastructure in Post-Mining Areas – Development, Challenges and Initial Practical Application

The safe monitoring of flooded mines is a key challenge – especially in the context of the “perpetual task of mine water management” as performed by RAG Aktiengesellschaft, Essen/ Germany. In order to monitor long-term stability, safety and environmental compatibility in former hard coal mining areas, a pilot project is being conducted in collaboration with Fraunhofer IOSB-AST, Ilmenau/Germany, and the Department of Mining at Clausthal University of Technology, Clausthal/Germany, to investigate the use of unmanned underwater vehicles (remotely operated vehicles, ROVs). The aim is to further develop a modular diving robot system that will be tested under realistic conditions. Analysis of existing robotics systems shows that many solutions from marine or industrial applications are only suitable for underground use to a limited extent in order to meet the special requirements in former German hard coal mines. These include restricted accessibility, corrosive environments, limited communication options and high navigation requirements. The chosen mission approach combines upstream preliminary exploration with flexible sensor integration and extended autonomy. Initial trials are being conducted in the flooded Nuttlar slate mine in the Sauerland region. Once final development is complete, the system will be deployed at RAG’s water management sites and will make a significant contribution to the further development of robot-based monitoring solutions in sustainable post-mining operations.