Penguin Automated Systems Inc. (“Penguin”) is a research, development and prototyping company focusing on the implementation of robotic and automation solutions for its clients. It has extensive experience in making special mobile robot systems for mining. This system includes the wireless computer networks to run large fleets of mining equipment to control center potentially situated many miles away. Its system also uses positioning system that work in difficult subsurface environments where GPS does not. It also has extensive robot control software for mine production control using cooperative robotics.
Penguin’s Insights and Achievements
Penguin has developed and continues to develop tele-autonomous robotic technologies at the Penguin Research Centre in Sudbury. Those technologies comprise, among other things, telecommunication systems and equipment, sensory systems and equipment, computer systems, computer software and actuation systems which enable the development of robotic solutions for the mining and other industries. Important systems developed by Penguin include its Tele-robotic Reconnaissance System, Underground Positioning System and Optical Communication System. Penguin provides a comprehensive approach to software development, systems integration and field testing to ensure leading edge technologies are supplied to manage its client’s needs.
Penguin provides telerobotic applications for the industries like; Mining, Construction, Exploration, Security – Oil & Gas Industries, Military, Institutional.
Penguin technologies are adapted to a variety of environments like; Underground & Open Pit, Subsea & Underwater, In Space, and On Surface.
Penguin has won awards for innovation and creativity around robot system development. (Northern Ontario Business Innovation Award)
Services of Future Robotics
Penguin provides several services with its robot systems
Mining:
Penguin has extensive experience in applying automated systems to mining. Their work includes:
- Site Assessment Studies: To determine the particular mine’s technology application
- Technology Roadmap development for the mines
- Assessment of current technology mine plans vs potential automated mine plans to determine Cost/Benefit
- Full Automated Mine Design services: It includes, Scoping, Pre-feasibility, Feasibility, and Detailed Implementation Studies
Environmental Inspection:
Penguin’s suite of robot system provides an opportunity for the clients to inspect personnel restricted areas in detail. It includes; Photos, Videos, 3-D mapping capability, Precise location in surface and underground situations, Thermo imaging systems, Air quality measurement, Fitting of any sensors for additional measurement.
All these can fit on its teleoperated robot platform to support data gathering on-line and recorded. Its robots can travel large distances on the surface and in confined spaces to perform this work.
In addition to these services, Penguin is presenting services which are more important for the safety of employees in mining industries like; Search and Rescue, Safety and Security, and more.
Innovative Products
Penguin’s Products range from full robot systems:
- Geospatial Mapping Systems
- Hang-up Assessment and Removal Telerobotic System
- Blast Hole Cleaning System
Their subsystems such as:
- Mine Robotic Network Systems including WiFi and LiFi
- Positioning Systems for surface, underground and underwater
- Telerobot software control
Creator of Penguin ASI
Dr. Greg Baiden is the Founder & CEO of Penguin Automated Systems Inc. Dr. Baiden has worked in all aspects of the mining industry, including terrestrial, undersea and space mining. His extensive knowledge has been applied and is helping to set-up the possibilities in these areas. Under the leadership of Dr. Greg Baiden, Penguin has developed and continues to develop tele-autonomous robotic technologies at the Penguin Research Centre in Sudbury.
Strategies for Success
Penguin has been successful by applying several strategies. These include: hiring the very best possible employees, dreaming about what could be and working with their customers to get them the systems they want and need.
Penguin has developed new robotic technologies with the support and assistance of a number of government agencies, including FedNor and the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation and is committed to the development of intellectual property as a basis for supporting growth in Northern Ontario. Penguin is engaged in consulting and development work with leading companies in Canada and elsewhere.
Challenges that Helps Penguin to Become a Leader
The challenges that Penguin have faced includes in bringing the new technologies to the extremely conservative mining industry.
The idea of tele- autonomy is only feasible if a highly capable network system is in place. This network must have the high capacity with the ability to work wirelessly in many environments such as in open air, in a contained space, underground and underwater. A number of applications can be dealt with using WiFi, but the technique ultimately suffers from a lack of capacity for the demanding application of tele-autonomy. Penguin’s unique foundation networking technology consists of building high capacity networks using WiFi and patented LiFi (Optical) technologies.
Technologies from Penguin for Today and Tomorrow
We can see that mobile robotics is currently a growing field. Penguin has developed a highly accurate system for mobile positioning of its mobile robots to create a system that is able to work like a factory robot even though it is mobile.
Penguin is currently rolling out two new products: the first is a mobile mapping unit for GPS denied environments and the second is a long reach robot to load explosives into underground mining blockages. It is growing very rapidly as it introduces these new products.
