UFR’s technology complements Sandvik’s AutoMine platform. Credit: Mr. Tempter/Shutterstock.

Mining company Sandvik has announced the acquisition of Universal Field Robots (UFR), which offers autonomous solutions for surface mining and underground mining markets.

Financial terms of the deal remain undisclosed.

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UFR’s technology is expected to complement Sandvik’s AutoMine, a mining automation platform.

Upon completion of the deal, UFR will join Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions’ Digital Mining Technologies division.

UFR’s common autonomy platform aligns with Sandvik’s strategy, offering robotic and autonomous solutions for various mining equipment, independent of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

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The integration of UFR’s technology with Sandvik’s AutoMine platform will enable customers to optimise their mining fleets’ performance, regardless of the equipment’s OEM.

With a workforce of around 40, UFR reported revenues of nearly $7.85m (A$11.57m) for the financial year ending June 2024.

Sandvik president and CEO Stefan Widing said: “Universal Field Robots is an important strategic addition to Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions, which will strengthen our growth potential and provide key capabilities in the development of our mining automation solutions portfolio going forward.”

The deal is due to be completed in the fourth quarter of 2024.

In June 2024, Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions launched the AutoMine Interoperable Access Control System, a feature for its AutoMine Core system for autonomous underground mining.

This allows a mixed fleet of underground loaders, trucks, drills and auxiliary equipment to be managed under one comprehensive safety system.

The aim is to improve productivity and operational flexibility by enabling non-Sandvik, third-party autonomous equipment to operate seamlessly within AutoMine access-controlled zones.