Table of Contents
- Executive Summary: The Rise of Quadrupedal Robotics in Mining
- 2025 Market Forecasts: Growth Trajectories and Investment Hotspots
- Underground Mining Challenges: Why Quadrupeds Are the Solution
- Key Technology Innovations: Sensors, AI, and Autonomy
- Leading Players and Strategic Partnerships (e.g., bostonrobotics.com, exyn.com)
- Case Studies: Real-World Deployments and Performance
- Safety and Regulatory Landscape: Standards and Compliance (e.g., ieee.org, asme.org)
- ROI and Operational Impact: Cost, Productivity, and Workforce Implications
- Future Outlook: Roadmap for the Next 3–5 Years
- Opportunities and Barriers: What Will Define the Winners in Quadruped Mining Robotics?
- Sources & References
Executive Summary: The Rise of Quadrupedal Robotics in Mining
The adoption of quadrupedal robotics in underground mining is accelerating rapidly in 2025, driven by the industry’s urgent need to enhance safety, operational efficiency, and data acquisition in hazardous environments. Quadrupedal robots—often referred to as “robotic dogs”—are being deployed for tasks such as inspection, mapping, environmental monitoring, and early-stage ore detection where human access is limited or unsafe. These robots are engineered to traverse uneven terrain, navigate tight spaces, and operate reliably in dust-laden, low-light, and humid underground conditions.
One of the most prominent examples is the Boston Dynamics Spot platform, which has gained traction with major mining companies worldwide. In 2024 and 2025, Rio Tinto announced expanded pilot programs integrating quadrupedal robots for autonomous inspections in underground tunnels, aiming to reduce human exposure to geotechnical risks and improve predictive maintenance on critical infrastructure. Similarly, BHP and Anglo American have disclosed collaborations with robotics providers to deploy quadrupedal systems for real-time gas monitoring, equipment inspection, and 3D mapping of underground drifts.
Technical advancements have made these deployments possible. Modern quadrupeds can carry sophisticated sensor payloads, including LiDAR, thermal cameras, and environmental sensors, enabling comprehensive digital twins of mine workings. For instance, ANYbotics offers ruggedized quadrupeds specifically adapted for industrial and mining environments, and in 2025, several underground mines in Australia and South America are scaling up the use of ANYmal robots for autonomous inspection and data collection.
Critical mine safety organizations, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Program, have highlighted the role of robotics in reducing accident rates and improving emergency response. These endorsements are prompting increased investment by mine operators into quadrupedal platforms and related digital infrastructure.
Looking ahead, industry projections indicate that quadrupedal robotics will become standard in new underground mining projects and retrofits within the next few years. The cost of entry is declining as robotic systems become more robust and easier to integrate with existing mine management software. As autonomous navigation and AI-driven analytics continue to mature, quadrupedal robots are expected to take on more complex tasks—ranging from autonomous exploration of inaccessible stopes to integrated support in mine rescue operations—solidifying their role as a transformative technology in underground mining.
2025 Market Forecasts: Growth Trajectories and Investment Hotspots
The quadrupedal robotics market for underground mining is anticipated to witness significant expansion in 2025, underpinned by technological maturation and increasing industry adoption. Several mining operators are initiating large-scale pilot programs and deployments, seeking to automate hazardous inspection, mapping, and monitoring tasks that are difficult or unsafe for humans. These trends are strongly influenced by a convergence of safety regulations, labor shortages, and the need for continuous operations in challenging subsurface environments.
A notable driver is the proven performance of quadrupedal robots like Boston Dynamics’ Spot, which has transitioned from pilot trials to broader commercial applications. In 2023 and 2024, Spot was deployed by mining companies such as Rio Tinto and BHP for inspection and mapping of underground sites. With advancements in autonomy, sensor payloads, and dust- and water-resistance, manufacturers are set to launch next-generation models specifically tailored for mining operations in 2025.
Investment hotspots are emerging in regions with extensive underground mining activity, notably Australia, Canada, and South Africa. The Australian mining sector, for example, has seen collaborative initiatives between mining majors and robotics developers to deploy legged robots for stope inspections and ore pass monitoring. According to Fortescue, robotic deployments are part of a broader digital transformation strategy aimed at reducing downtime and operational risk.
Market growth is also propelled by integration with digital mining platforms. Quadrupedal robots now feed real-time data into digital twins, enhancing predictive maintenance and resource planning. Companies like ANYbotics have reported increased demand for their quadrupedal platforms, citing projects with leading mining companies in 2024 and planned rollouts for 2025.
Looking ahead, the outlook for quadrupedal robotics in underground mining remains robust. The cost of advanced legged robots is projected to decrease as production scales, opening opportunities for mid-sized operators. Significant R&D investment is expected in the next few years, with focus areas including improved autonomy in GPS-denied environments, power endurance, and seamless integration with mine management systems. Industry bodies such as the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy identify quadrupedal robotics as a key innovation area for mining safety and productivity through 2025 and beyond.
Underground Mining Challenges: Why Quadrupeds Are the Solution
Underground mining environments present a unique set of challenges, including limited visibility, unstable terrain, confined spaces, and the presence of hazardous gases or dust. Traditional machinery and human labor are often constrained by these factors, leading to safety risks and operational inefficiencies. As the mining sector seeks to improve both productivity and worker safety, quadrupedal robotics has emerged as a promising solution, particularly in the context of 2025 and the coming years.
Quadrupedal robots—four-legged, highly mobile machines—are increasingly being deployed in underground mines to address these issues. Their animal-inspired locomotion allows them to traverse uneven surfaces, climb over debris, and navigate narrow passageways where wheeled or tracked robots struggle. This capability is especially relevant in older mines with unpredictable layouts or after blasting activities that leave unstable ground conditions.
A leading example is the Spot robot from Boston Dynamics, which has been actively trialed in mining operations globally. Spot is equipped with advanced sensors, including LiDAR and thermal cameras, enabling it to autonomously map mine tunnels, detect structural anomalies, and monitor air quality—all while transmitting real-time data to surface teams. As of 2025, mining companies are scaling up Spot deployments for routine inspections, reducing human exposure to hazardous environments and enhancing operational continuity.
Similarly, ANYbotics has advanced its ANYmal quadruped for harsh industrial settings. ANYmal is designed to withstand dust, water, and temperature extremes, making it well-suited for underground mines. In recent field tests and pilot projects, ANYmal has demonstrated the ability to autonomously navigate complex mine layouts, conduct asset inspections, and relay critical environmental data back to operators. Its integration with digital mine management systems is paving the way for more predictive maintenance and incident prevention.
Industry demand for automation is further supported by leading mining equipment suppliers such as Sandvik and Komatsu, both of which are actively exploring partnerships and integrations with robotics manufacturers to deliver next-generation mining solutions. By 2025 and beyond, the expectation is that quadrupedal robots will become a standard tool for underground inspection, hazard detection, and data collection, driving a safer and more efficient mining ecosystem.
Looking ahead, the continuous evolution of quadrupedal robotics—enhanced autonomy, improved battery life, and greater sensor integration—will expand their roles in underground mining. As regulatory bodies and industry groups push for higher safety standards and digitalization, quadrupeds are poised to become critical assets, mitigating the sector’s perennial challenges and setting new benchmarks for operational excellence.
Key Technology Innovations: Sensors, AI, and Autonomy
The integration of advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous navigation systems is fundamentally reshaping the capabilities of quadrupedal robots in underground mining operations. As of 2025, these innovations are driving key improvements in safety, data collection, and operational efficiency, with several leading robotics manufacturers and mining companies actively deploying and refining these technologies.
Modern quadrupedal robots now feature sophisticated sensor suites tailored for subterranean environments. These include high-resolution LiDAR, thermal and optical cameras, as well as gas and particulate sensors. For instance, Boston Dynamics equips its Spot robot with modular payloads that allow for real-time mapping, gas detection, and environmental monitoring. Such sensor arrays enable the robots to navigate complex underground passages, detect hazardous conditions, and relay critical data back to operators.
The role of AI in processing sensor data and enabling autonomy has advanced significantly. Machine learning algorithms interpret massive streams of sensory input to build 3D maps, identify anomalies like structural weaknesses or gas leaks, and adapt routes dynamically. ANYbotics integrates AI-driven perception and planning to allow their ANYmal robots to operate with minimal human supervision, even in GPS-denied environments characteristic of underground mines.
Autonomous navigation is further enhanced by simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) techniques, which have matured to handle the dust, darkness, and irregular terrain of mines. In 2024, Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute and partners demonstrated robust SLAM and multi-robot coordination during the DARPA Subterranean Challenge, laying groundwork for commercial deployment.
Looking ahead, the next several years will see deeper integration of edge AI for on-board decision-making, reducing the need for constant remote oversight. Real-time data fusion from multiple sensor types will further improve obstacle avoidance and hazard detection. Manufacturers such as Boston Dynamics and ANYbotics have announced plans to expand autonomous capabilities, including swarm coordination for fleet operations in large, multi-level mines.
These advancements are expected to drive broader adoption of quadrupedal robots in underground mining worldwide by the late 2020s, as the industry seeks to enhance worker safety, increase operational uptime, and collect richer environmental data with reduced human risk.
Leading Players and Strategic Partnerships (e.g., bostonrobotics.com, exyn.com)
The quadrupedal robotics sector for underground mining is experiencing significant momentum, with leading players advancing both hardware and autonomy solutions. Boston Dynamics remains a dominant force, with its Spot robot widely deployed in mining environments for inspection, mapping, and safety monitoring tasks. In 2024, Boston Dynamics announced expanded collaborations with mining companies to enhance Spot’s sensor payloads and AI-driven autonomy, enabling more complex missions in hazardous and GPS-denied underground spaces.
Another key player, Exyn Technologies, specializes in autonomous aerial and ground robotics solutions for mining. Exyn has formed multiple partnerships with global mining firms, integrating its autonomy software onto quadrupedal platforms like Spot. In 2025, Exyn’s fully autonomous exploration capabilities are being piloted in deep, previously inaccessible mine sections, facilitating rapid 3D mapping and real-time hazard detection. Exyn’s collaboration with mining equipment suppliers further accelerates the integration of robotic solutions into daily mine operations.
Emerging players such as ANYbotics have also gained traction. ANYbotics’ ANYmal robot, noted for its robust locomotion and sensor integration, has been adopted by several European and Australian mining operators. In 2024–2025, ANYbotics is working closely with industrial partners to enable autonomous inspection and asset monitoring in challenging underground settings, leveraging partnerships to fast-track safety certification and deployment.
Strategic partnerships are shaping the sector’s outlook for the next few years. Boston Dynamics is collaborating with Trimble to deliver precise geospatial solutions for mining robots, improving mapping accuracy and operational efficiency. Exyn’s alliances with mining giants such as Agnico Eagle and equipment manufacturer Epiroc are focused on integrating real-time autonomous data collection and analytics directly into mine workflows.
Looking ahead to 2025 and beyond, these strategic partnerships signal a move toward scalable, interoperable robotic solutions. The growing ecosystem of hardware manufacturers, autonomy providers, and mining end-users is expected to drive rapid adoption, with field trials expanding into full-scale operations. As regulatory frameworks and industry standards evolve, collaborations among technology leaders and mining companies will remain pivotal in shaping the future landscape of underground quadrupedal robotics.
Case Studies: Real-World Deployments and Performance
Quadrupedal robots have transitioned from research prototypes to operational assets in the mining sector, with several real-world deployments underway as of 2025. These robots, designed to navigate challenging and hazardous environments, address key operational challenges in underground mining, such as worker safety, data collection, and remote inspection.
One of the most prominent examples is the deployment of the Spot robot by Boston Dynamics at multiple mining sites worldwide. Since 2022, Spot has been utilized for autonomous tunnel inspections, gas monitoring, and 3D mapping in underground mines. In 2024, Boston Dynamics partnered with mining companies in Australia and Canada, customizing Spot with payloads for environmental monitoring and LiDAR scanning. Results indicate a reduction in human exposure to hazardous areas and improvement in the frequency and quality of data collected from hard-to-reach locations.
Similarly, Exyn Technologies has integrated its autonomous navigation software with quadrupedal platforms, including Spot, to enable fully automated exploration of previously inaccessible stope environments. In 2023, Exyn Technologies announced successful trials with Barrick Gold, where the robot autonomously mapped hundreds of meters of underground drifts, generating high-resolution 3D models crucial for operational planning and safety analysis.
In South Africa, Sandvik is collaborating with robotics firms to trial quadrupedal robots for post-blast inspection and ore body analysis in deep-level gold mines. Early results from pilot programs indicate significant time savings compared to traditional manual inspection methods, as well as improved worker safety by reducing exposure to unsupported ground conditions.
- Performance Metrics: Across deployments, quadrupedal robots have demonstrated the ability to operate for 90–120 minutes on a single battery charge, cover distances of up to 2 km per mission, and transmit real-time sensor data over wireless mesh networks installed in mines.
- Operator Feedback: Mining companies report reduced downtime and more rapid identification of hazards, with robots capable of traversing steep inclines, navigating rubble, and operating in total darkness with onboard sensing.
Looking forward, further integration with mine automation systems and increased use of AI-driven analytics is anticipated. The next few years are expected to see wider adoption, especially as more mining companies seek to digitize operations and improve safety records. Ongoing collaborations between robotics manufacturers and mining majors are set to expand the scope of quadrupedal robotics beyond inspection, including roles in sample collection and infrastructure maintenance.
Safety and Regulatory Landscape: Standards and Compliance (e.g., ieee.org, asme.org)
The integration of quadrupedal robotics in underground mining is advancing rapidly, prompting both industry and standards organizations to address unique safety and regulatory challenges. In 2025, the focus is intensifying on developing harmonized frameworks for the deployment of these robots, especially as their operational roles expand from inspection to autonomous manipulation and material handling in complex, hazardous environments.
International standards bodies such as the IEEE and the ASME are actively engaged in the formulation of safety, reliability, and interoperability guidelines for mobile robotics and autonomous systems. The IEEE Robotics and Automation Society continues to update its standards on robot safety (e.g., IEEE 1872.2 for robot ontology and IEEE P7007 for ethically driven robotics) to address the demands of subterranean applications, where communication loss, environmental hazards, and multi-agent coordination are significant concerns.
On the industry side, major mining operators and robotics manufacturers are collaborating to shape compliance protocols. For instance, Boston Dynamics and ANYbotics, both of which supply quadrupedal robots for mine inspection and mapping, are working with clients to ensure their systems meet evolving safety standards for explosion risk, ingress protection, and fail-safe operation in confined underground spaces. Their documentation and deployment practices now commonly reference ISO 10218 (robot safety) and IEC 62061 (functional safety of safety-related control systems), adapting these standards to the distinct risks of mining environments.
Government authorities and mining regulators are also playing an increasingly proactive role. In Australia, the Safe Work Australia guidelines on automation in mining are being updated to reflect the emergence of autonomous legged robots, with specific attention to emergency stop protocols, human-robot interaction zones, and remote operation safeguards. Similar initiatives are underway in Canada and the EU, where authorities seek to ensure that robotic deployments do not introduce new hazards or compromise existing safety norms for mine workers.
Looking forward, the next few years will likely see the publication of dedicated standards for legged robotics in mining, incorporating lessons from pilot deployments and real-world incident reports. Stakeholders anticipate more prescriptive requirements around system redundancy, environmental sensing, and cybersecurity, as well as clearer pathways for regulatory approval. As quadrupedal robots assume more critical roles in hazardous operations, comprehensive, sector-specific compliance frameworks will be pivotal in gaining industry and public trust.
ROI and Operational Impact: Cost, Productivity, and Workforce Implications
The integration of quadrupedal robotics into underground mining operations is poised to deliver significant returns on investment (ROI) within 2025 and the coming years, fundamentally affecting cost structures, productivity, and workforce dynamics. The deployment of robotics such as the Spot quadruped by Boston Dynamics is increasingly common in mines worldwide, with notable pilots and rollouts reported by operators in North America, Australia, and Europe.
From a cost perspective, the initial capital expenditure for quadrupedal robots typically ranges from $75,000 to $150,000 per unit, depending on payload options and sensor integration. However, mines are beginning to recoup these investments through several key cost-saving avenues:
- Reduced Downtime: Robots can perform inspections and data collection in hazardous or inaccessible areas, minimizing the need for human entry and reducing operational stoppages. For instance, underground deployment of Spot at Rio Tinto’s facilities has led to a measured decline in unplanned downtime due to faster detection of equipment issues.
- Lower Safety Costs: By assuming roles in hazardous environments—such as stope inspections or gas monitoring—quadrupeds directly decrease incident rates, insurance liabilities, and costs associated with injury claims. Anglo American has reported a targeted reduction in lost-time injuries by substituting robotic missions for high-risk manual tasks.
- Extended Asset Life: Frequent, high-resolution monitoring by robots enables predictive maintenance, extending the lifespan of key underground equipment and infrastructure.
Productivity improvements are becoming quantifiable as mines scale up robotic operations. Quadrupeds equipped with LiDAR, thermal, and gas sensors can autonomously map tunnels, detect anomalies, and relay real-time data to surface teams. Boliden has piloted such deployments, reporting up to a 30% reduction in survey and inspection cycle times compared to manual methods. Additionally, these robots operate continuously across shifts, allowing for 24/7 monitoring and task execution.
Workforce implications are both transformative and nuanced. While automation reduces the need for personnel exposure to dangerous environments, it also necessitates upskilling and reskilling of the mining workforce towards robot supervision, maintenance, and data analytics. Major mining companies, including BHP, are investing in digital training programs to facilitate this transition. Rather than widespread job losses, the trend is towards workforce evolution, with new roles emerging in robotics management and remote operations.
Looking forward, the operational impact of quadrupedal robotics is set to intensify, as more mines invest in robotic fleets and integrate these machines into core production workflows. This shift is expected to drive greater cost efficiencies, improve safety outcomes, and reshape workforce structures, positioning quadrupedal robotics as a central pillar of the next generation of underground mining.
Future Outlook: Roadmap for the Next 3–5 Years
The next three to five years are projected to be transformative for quadrupedal robotics in underground mining, driven by rapid advancements in robotics hardware, autonomy, and sensor integration. As of 2025, leading robotics manufacturers and mining companies are accelerating pilot deployments and scaling up production, laying the groundwork for broader adoption in hazardous and efficiency-critical underground environments.
Multiple manufacturers have already released commercial quadrupedal robots designed specifically for challenging terrain, such as Unitree Robotics and Boston Dynamics. These robots are being actively trialed in mines to handle inspection, mapping, gas detection, and data collection tasks. For instance, Boston Dynamics‘ Spot robot is undergoing field trials with major mining operators to autonomously navigate drifts, ramps, and stopes while capturing high-resolution 3D scans and environmental data.
Key industry players such as Rio Tinto and BHP are collaborating with robotics firms to integrate quadrupedal robots into their underground operations. These partnerships focus on enhancing safety by removing human workers from hazardous areas and improving operational efficiency through real-time, high-fidelity data collection. Over the next few years, these collaborations are expected to move from pilot phases to larger-scale rollouts as the technology matures and demonstrates reliable performance in production settings.
Sensor payloads and software for quadrupedal robots are also rapidly evolving. Companies such as Trimble and Leica Geosystems are developing advanced LiDAR, gas detection, and thermal imaging modules specifically for mobile robotics in mining. The integration of these sensor suites enables robots to create detailed digital twins of underground environments, monitor air quality, and detect structural anomalies with minimal human intervention.
Looking ahead, the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning will further enhance the autonomy and decision-making capabilities of quadrupedal robots in mining. By 2028, industry analysts anticipate that autonomous patrols, automated anomaly detection, and remote intervention capabilities will become standard features. Regulatory bodies and mining associations are also beginning to develop guidelines and safety standards to facilitate wider adoption of robotic systems in underground mines (International Council on Mining and Metals).
In summary, the next three to five years will see quadrupedal robotics shift from experimental deployments to essential infrastructure in underground mining, driven by technological progress, industry partnerships, and a clear focus on safety and operational excellence.
Opportunities and Barriers: What Will Define the Winners in Quadruped Mining Robotics?
The adoption of quadrupedal robotics in underground mining is poised at a critical juncture in 2025, as both opportunities and barriers shape the competitive landscape for technology developers and mining operators. Key factors likely to define the winners in this sector over the next few years include technological robustness, system integration, regulatory compliance, and demonstrable return on investment.
One of the most significant opportunities is the ability of quadrupedal robots to traverse hazardous and uneven underground terrains where wheeled or tracked vehicles struggle. Companies such as Unitree Robotics and Boston Dynamics have demonstrated quadrupeds capable of navigating stairs, rubble, and confined spaces—capabilities that are already being explored for mining applications. In 2024, Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot was piloted in several mining environments globally, performing automated inspection, mapping, and gas monitoring tasks in conditions unsafe for humans.
System integration and interoperability remain pressing challenges. Mining operations rely on diverse fleets of equipment and legacy automation platforms. For quadrupeds to be adopted at scale, seamless integration with mine management systems, communications infrastructure, and safety protocols is vital. Companies like Exyn Technologies are developing autonomy stacks and payloads tailored for mapping and data collection in GPS-denied environments, often collaborating with both robotics manufacturers and major mining firms to ensure compatibility with existing digital ecosystems.
Regulatory compliance and safety certification are emerging as barriers and differentiators. Mines are subject to strict operational standards, particularly regarding worker safety and data integrity. Quadrupedal systems must not only demonstrate reliability but also meet regulatory requirements, such as those set by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) in the United States or corresponding agencies worldwide. Companies able to validate their solutions in accordance with these standards are likely to be favored by risk-averse mine operators.
Cost-benefit analysis and demonstrable return on investment will ultimately define market leaders. Mining companies are closely watching pilot deployments and early commercial rollouts for quantifiable improvements in productivity, safety, and operational cost reduction. The next few years are expected to bring expanded pilot programs and initial large-scale deployments, with procurement decisions hinging on real-world data and the ability of vendors to offer robust service and support models.
In sum, the winners in quadrupedal mining robotics will be those who deliver rugged, interoperable, and compliant solutions that drive clear operational value—a convergence of engineering excellence and business pragmatism that will be closely watched as the sector matures.
Sources & References
- Boston Dynamics
- Anglo American
- ANYbotics
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Program
- Rio Tinto
- Fortescue
- Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy
- Sandvik
- Carnegie Mellon University Robotics Institute
- Exyn Technologies
- Trimble
- Epiroc
- Exyn Technologies
- IEEE
- ASME
- Boston Dynamics
- ANYbotics
- Boliden
- Unitree Robotics
- International Council on Mining and Metals
