FedNor Minister Greg Rickford today announced an investment to assist a Northern Ontario firm develop cutting-edge, remote-controlled robotics technology for use in underground mines. The Minister made the announcement while visiting the Northern Ontario Mining Showcase at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) Convention in Toronto. The Showcase is a FedNor-supported initiative that positions private sector companies and communities to promote themselves to the more than 30,000 participants attending the biggest mining conference in Canada.
The FedNor investment will assist Penguin Automated Systems Inc. develop a new assessment and removal robotic system. The innovative, remote-controlled system will be designed to enter confined spaces to safely manage rock hang-ups preventing production. The robot will be capable of non-contact measurement, information analysis, drilling and the loading of explosives for remote detonation. The system will address significant workplace safety hazards while increasing production in the mining sector worldwide.
During the development stage of the project, Penguin Automated Systems will hire 30 engineers and technical workers and, in the long term, the company expects to create up to 20 new manufacturing jobs in Sudbury, Ontario.
As the lead federal Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire development, Minister Rickford addressed the PDAC Board of Directors and met with a variety of mining stakeholders from across Northern Ontario to discuss issues important to the region.
“Canada is a global leader in the mining industry and our government is proud to invest in science, technology and innovation to advance this important sector of the economy. Today’s announcement will assist a Northern Ontario company use its technological know-how to create an innovative solution that will help increase productivity in mines in Canada and around the world, while keeping miners safe.”
The Honourable Greg Rickford Minister of State for Science and Technology, and FedNor, and Minister responsible for the Ring of Fire“Penguin Automated Systems Inc. is proud to partner with FedNor and the Government of Canada to develop the Hang-Up Assessment and Removal Robotic System. By introducing this new system to the global marketplace, Penguin is achieving its goal of improving safety standards for workers, while enhancing productivity for our clients.”
Dr. Greg Baiden, Chief Executive of Penguin ASI and former Canada Research Chair in Mining Robotics at Laurentian University
