Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Big jobs like filling blast holes with explosives are starting to get robot help. For example, ABB and partners tested a “Robot Charger” that scans a mine wall and automatically inserts charges into each hole ^{[1] [2]}. Similarly, Epiroc/Orica’s Avatel system (trialed in 2022) lets an operator prepare and charge a mine face remotely ^[2].

These systems aim to keep workers safely away from the blast face. Digital tools – such as GPS‐guided drills and electronic detonators – already improve accuracy and efficiency: one study reported 25% better blasting efficiency and 10% lower cost per ton using advanced blasting tech ^[2]. However, many tasks remain mostly human.

Things like placing safety cones, tying primacord, planning blast sizes, and setting off charges still rely on people’s judgement and care. We found no examples of AI doing those end-to-end. In short, “heavy” parts of blasting are getting automated, but detail work and safety checks still need a human touch.

Mines will adopt AI and robots mainly for safety and cost reasons. New robots can reduce risk to people – ABB noted robots charging holes keep workers out of dangerous rock faces ^[1] – and trials show big gains. In the Swedish Aitik mine, for example, modern drilling/blasting tech cut costs and boosted productivity ^[2].

These successes make companies take notice. On the other hand, the technology is brand new. ABB only finished pilot tests of its blasting robot in 2023 ^[1] and Epiroc’s Avatel was first tried in 2022 ^[2].

High upfront costs and strict safety rules mean many operations adopt slowly.