How innovation created safety and efficiency.
// case
ABB sought to enhance safety and efficiency in rock wall blasting by automating the process with the Robot Charger. Partnering with Knightec, they developed a custom Android tablet with integrated software, reducing risks and costs in mining operations while advancing the industry's move towards safer, more sustainable practices.
The Challenge
Rock wall blasting remains one of the last manual and most hazardous processes in the mining industry, requiring close human proximity to potential rockfalls and other dangers. ABB sought to minimize human presence in these dangerous environments by developing the Robot Charger, an automated solution to enhance safety and efficiency. However, for this solution to be effective, it required a user-friendly interface that could enable remote control and provide precise information to operators. ABB needed a partner to develop a custom Android tablet with integrated software to meet this need.
The Solution
Knightec was chosen due to our user-centered design and software development expertise. The project was structured in two phases: an initial study and an implementation phase that utilized an agile methodology, ensuring flexibility and responsiveness to feedback. Our approach emphasized close collaboration between the design and software teams, with regular presentations and workshops to align closely with ABB’s specific requirements and ensure a seamless project progression.
Delivered Value
Developing and integrating the MVP (Minimum Viable Product)—an Android tablet with specialized software—into the Robot Charger demonstrated significant time and cost savings in mining operations. This innovation reduced risks and bolstered Knightec and ABB’s reputations as leaders in the electrification and automation of the mining industry. The Robot Charger has made the mining environment safer and more attractive by automating one of the most dangerous phases of mining operations. This shift protects workers from hazardous conditions and supports the transition towards safer, cleaner, more sustainable industrial practices.
How We Did It
A strong focus on user needs and operational demands within the mining sector drove the project’s success. Knightec’s integrated team worked closely with ABB from concept to execution, employing a user-centered approach that combined technical development with practical application. The agile working method allowed for iterative testing and refinement, ensuring the final product was robust and user-friendly. This close collaboration was pivotal in delivering a solution that met the complex challenges of modern mining operations.
ABB, a global pioneer in electrification and automation technology, is forging a sustainable and resource-efficient future. With a heritage spanning over 140 years and a dedicated workforce of 105,000, ABB propels innovations that advance the industrial transition.