DAEJEON, Jan. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Scientists at the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources (KIGAM) have developed an autonomous robot capable of exploring underground resources without human intervention, the institute announced on January 15.
The autonomous underground exploration robot, developed by a research team led by Kang Woong at the Resource Exploration and Development Research Center, utilizes real-time kinematic (RTK) GPS for high-precision positioning. This enables the robot to measure coordinates and plan exploration routes, following predetermined paths with exceptional accuracy.
The robot can be monitored and controlled remotely from a control center. It employs ground penetrating radar (GPR) technology, allowing it to create high-resolution images of buried objects without excavation.
GPR technology works by transmitting broadband electromagnetic waves underground through a transmitting antenna and receiving reflected signals. This method is widely used to detect underground facilities, inspect transportation infrastructure, and explore archaeological sites.
Field tests demonstrated the robot’s impressive positioning accuracy, with average position errors of approximately 2.5cm based on more than 10,000 GPS tracking reference points.
The research team is currently preparing to develop a prototype and establish a research-based company to commercialize the technology.
“Once commercialized, we expect this technology to enable continuous exploration without the limitations of human personnel or environmental constraints,” Kang said.
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)