South Africa’s Ramjack Technology Solutions has acquired Swedish underground robotics innovator, Inkonova AB. Ramjack said this move is the latest in its aggressive buildout of their technology stack focusing on safety, sustainability and productivity within the mining sector — a strategy that already includes partnerships with some of the most advanced real-time technology innovators in the world.
Founded in 2014, Inkonova created the Batonoumous underground drone platform. Able to fly autonomously and beyond line-of-site from its pilot. Inkonova introduced real-time connectivity that is dramatically improving how mines gather spatial information about inaccessible areas underground.
“Creating Inkonova has been a rewarding experience and I’m excited to be handing over the reins to the passionate mining technology experts at Ramjack to bring it to the next level,” said Pau Mallol, founder and chief innovator of Inkonova.
Inaccessible areas in underground mines pose significant productivity and safety challenges for mine operators who must produce efficiently while protecting the health and safety of their employees and equipment. Autonomous drone technology provides valuable insights and reliable 3D visualization — even in inaccessible areas — to ensure safe, efficient and profitable operations underground.
Ramjack has collaborated with Inkonova and were well aware of the advanced capabilities of the company’s tech. “As underground mines look to improve their production and safety performance, the ability to map inaccessible areas efficiently and safely is a critical success factor,” Ramjack President and CEO Mike Jackson said.
