Robots in mine search and rescue operations: a review of platforms and design requirements

The use of automation in mining can be found at all stages of the mining process, covering exploration, excavation, loading, transportation, mineral processing, and search and rescue missions in emergency situations. Due to the harsh conditions during an underground mine disaster, robots can be of great assistance to rescue teams by entering areas that are unsafe for human rescuers, locating trapped workers, and collecting valuable data. The design and implementation of coal-mine rescue robots are characterized by great complexity because they encompass a great range of components and requirements. However, comprehensive guidelines for the design and deployment of robots in harsh underground environments have not been established. As a result, the developers of coal-mine rescue robots (CMRRs) must exercise their own judgment on the development and evaluation of the platform functionalities. This survey attempts to review design and functionality requirements based on the common practices and lessons learned from the existing CMRRs with the aim of facilitating future research and development on coal-mine search and rescue robots. An updated overview of the documented CMRRs of the last 3 decades showcases the intricate relationship of the common design considerations for CMRR design.