Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT)

The Institute for Advanced Mining Technologies (AMT) specialises in research and technology development in the field of automation, digitalisation and electrification of mining machines and processes for underground and surface as well as deep sea mining applications. For this purpose, an interdisciplinary team, including electrical, environmental, mining and mechanical engineers, and software developers, as well as technicians, administrative staff and an IT department, works on the development of ruggedized sensor technologies and data analysis along the data-information-value-chain that can cope with the harsh and challenging environmental conditions of mining. Current research and development activities focus on the following research areas: asset monitoring and diagnosis, mine design and energy management, mine communication, material characterisation, autonomous navigation and robotics as well as environmental perception. With a unique combination of fundamental and applied industry-oriented research in close collaboration with a range of national and international mine operators and OEMs, the AMT is thus contributing to innovative technology development to enable a safe, efficient and responsible raw material extraction. In teaching, the AMT focuses on holistic and modern engineering education with a high practical relevance. Lectures range from fundamentals in mechanical and electrical engineering, measurement and control systems to several lectures related to mining machineries and equipment. In the area of knowledge and technology transfer, the AMT hosts the International High-Performance Mining Conference in Aachen every two years, and is engaged in the support, promotion, and attraction of future talent to STEM and raw materials engineering through various outreach activities. Furthermore, the institute supports the founding of spin-offs, for example through the Expert Hub Raw Materials within the Excellence Start-Up Center at RWTH Aachen University.