Automation company ABB has launched GMD Copilot, an AI-powered digital assistant to enhance the operation and maintenance of gearless mill drives (GMDs), which are crucial for efficient mineral extraction.
The tool offers instant, context-specific information to improve decision-making processes in GMD operation and maintenance.
Grinding mills are essential in the mining industry, crushing ore to separate valuable minerals from waste rock.
GMDs, which eliminate mechanical drivetrain components, enable large-scale, efficient and reliable operations with reduced emissions, according to the company.
This is particularly significant in the copper market, which is projected to face a deficit of almost five million tonnes by 2030.
Maximising copper output is crucial as global electrification and decarbonisation efforts intensify.
GMD Copilot enhances traditional maintenance by allowing users to ask questions in natural language and get quick, actionable insights from ABB’s GMD Connect, a cloud-based monitoring platform.
The intuitive user interface provides easy access to operational data such as technical documentation and maintenance guidelines, which aids in the effective management of GMD systems.
Additionally, its real-time monitoring capabilities help in the early detection of potential issues, reducing the risk of unplanned downtime.
ABB Process Industries Business Line Gearless Mill Drives global product manager for service Carlos Miguez Fernandez said: “By expanding the capabilities of generative AI to include core industrial applications, we are responding to the growing demand for more efficient, responsive solutions in GMD maintenance.
“GMD Copilot is the latest in our suite of tools which enhance operational uptime and support our customers in maintaining peak performance across their GMD systems.”
The security of GMD Copilot is robust, ensuring that all data remains private and secure with project-specific access rights. Its multilingual support also makes it a versatile tool for global teams, allowing access to necessary support in their preferred language.
In January 2025, ABB signed a memorandum of understanding with Epiroc to advance collaboration on underground trolley solutions for the mining industry.
