Detectron is a drone designed for enhancing safety in underground mines. It detects various gases, gives directions in case of emergencies, and maps the tunnels in 3D. Detectron's mobility allows it to monitor hazardous gases over a wide area and communicate with other drones to work efficiently.
The primary hazard of underground mining is the accumulation of hazardous gases, such as explosive methane and toxic carbon monoxide. Estimates suggest that mining accidents kill approximately 12,000 people annually, particularly in developing countries. Although stationary and handheld gas sensors are available to prevent accumulation, both types remain inflexible and inefficient in larger facilities. As a result, many people continue to die in gas-related accidents in underground mines.
are carried by workers, but they are insufficient in areas where there are no workers.
are fixed to walls of the mine, but they are insufficient because a mining facility needs many of them to cover all galleries.
The statistics about fatality rates indicate that the coal mining industry has higher fatality rates compared to other types of mining activities and other industries. Moreover, countries with poor regulations have much higher fatality rates.
More than 301 people were killed in an explosion at a coal mine in Soma, Turkey. The main reason for the accident was the insufficiency in detecting hazardous gases.