Tag: artificial intelligence

The Weir Group has agreed to acquire Motion Metrics, a leading Canada-based global mining technology business, for an initial consideration of £89m1 payable in cash upon completion, subject to customary net debt and working capital adjustments. Motion Metrics is the market leading developer of innovative Artificial Intelligence (AI) and 3D rugged Machine Vision Technology used in mines worldwide.  Its technology helps miners increase safety, efficiency and sustainability of their operations.  As part of the agreement, Motion Metrics Vancouver headquarters will become Weir’s global centre for excellence in AI and Machine Vision technology. Motion Metrics applications are highly complementary to Weir’s product portfolio.  It will join the ESCO division reflecting the early adoption of its technology in ground engaging tools (GET)…

A team of researchers at James Cook University, led by Dr Bithin Datta, have successfully used an AI-based tool to analyse existing meteorological and hydrological data related to the Ross River basin area, near Townsville in Queensland. The results of the Artificial Neural Network’s (ANN) analysis found patterns that may correspond to an impending drought in the region. According to Dr Datta, ANNs are known for their exceptional pattern recognition capabilities which mimic the complex recognition and decision-making traits of the human brain. “Once trained and validated, it is capable of establishing the relationship between apparently related variables and identifies less relevant variables. These are then used to make a prediction.” This AI shows great promise for farmers, who may…

AUTONOMOUS excavators have begun work in Queensland in an Australian first, digging pipeline trenches across the Surat Basin. It follows a successful trial by MPC Kinetic in late 2019 of a 30t excavator operating fully-autonomously and guided by artificial intelligence (AI). MPC Kinetic will partner with Built Robotics, the developer of the AI technology, to roll out a fleet of fully-automated excavators. MPC Kinetic business unit leader Richard Butler said the move to autonomous equipment is part of a progressive step for the wider industry. “We see autonomous earthmoving equipment as the key to building a new era of construction here in Australia,” he said. “It’s not about replacing our people, it’s about freeing up our skilled workers from simple,…