NIOSH Robotics and Intelligent Mining Technology and Workplace Safety Research (U60)

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The purpose of this NOFO is to solicit meritorious applications from universities with graduate degree programs in both mining and explosives engineering to develop and conduct research initiatives in automation, robotics, and intelligent mining systems to improve workplace safety and health in U.S. mining operations and to build on NIOSH's work to address Congress mandates in the Consolidated Appropiations Act of 2023. This research will contribute to the goal of eliminating mining fatalities within the next two decades.The impact of research conducted by recipients should focus on advances in assured autonomy, i.e., assuring autonomous mining equipment and robotics achieve improved workplace safety and health for mine workers while meeting efficiency and productivity goals. Impacts could include but are not limited to:Advances in and implementation of human-centered design principles for automated equipment and the systems used to monitor or interact with them.New methods, guidance, and best practices in change management, training/retraining workers, technology integration, and safety evaluation.New methods and evaluation techniques for safe design that consider the entire mining operation as a system.Advances and availability of enabling technologies for assured autonomy including sensors, data fusion and processing, artificial intelligence, and systems for improved machine and operator situational awareness.Availability of new miner rescue and post-disaster surveillance technologies.

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