Epiroc DUNN
20 weeks / Master thesis project
In collaboration with Epiroc.

Introduction:

This project is my master thesis project during which I collaborated with Epiroc. 

Global mineral demand continues to rise sharply, fueled by population growth and rapid technological advancement. Yet satisfying this demand poses significant challenges as extractable resources remain finite. The underground mining sector currently grapples with multiple pressing issues. Declining ore grades coupled with persistently high operational costs and energy requirements are eroding profitability, leading to diminishing returns on investment. Concurrently, the industry faces persistent safety risks and an acute shortage of skilled labor. Environmental concerns present another major challenge, as most underground mining equipment still operates on diesel power. This reliance contributes substantially to global emissions, with the mining sector responsible for 4% to 7% of worldwide greenhouse gas emissions.















                                   
















Current problems： 

















Solution:










Epiroc DUNN is a fully automated mining system designed to locate, extract, and transport minerals without human intervention. By streamlining underground mining operations and reducing infrastructure demands, it delivers unparalleled precision and efficiency. This advanced technology significantly enhances productivity while lowering operational complexity. The system consists of two integrated components: the main mining unit and swarm haulers. The main mining unit features robotic arms capable of executing the entire extraction process, while its built-in conveyor belt ensures smooth and efficient ore transfer to the autonomous haulers. Together, these elements form a seamless, high-performance mining solution that maximizes output and operational effectiveness.

(Image on the right: compact unit size with extendable tool arm.)














“Highly focused,
less waste.” 


Instead of keeping the original tunnel size as for now, (There are many reasons for making this sized tunnel. The big ventilation pipes are installed on top of it in order to clean away dust and provide human with fresh air; the space wrapping around for allowing multiple vehicles to pass through.)


        











“More intelligent 
underground network.”


In today’s underground mine, it is still no the most optimal environment to work in, although together with the help of modern technologies.





















Why not?   New underground mine concept blueprint.
















“Lower the complexity” ---- All in 1 solution
















Automated charging
The battery vehicle unit equipped at the back can drive to the charging station automatically, when it “senses” needs charging.














Full autonomy underground mining network

















Remote monitoring 
through your tablets












Take a glimpse into my journey: 

Further discussions on Miro
Idea? 
    Iterations of sketches and CADing
    further refinements
     95% progress of key sketch








For my concept presentation, I thought it would be easier to make a tangible prototype. So I built up a 3:1 scale model in Rhino first, then Unroll Surfaces for laser cutting later. 





One of the toughest part -  polish a tiny LED window by hand. 
Spray paint the components. 
Photo credit: Inda Gaytan











           Innovation Underground, Freedom above. 






       Thanks for watching! :)