Komatsu, a leading supplier of technology and equipment to the global mining industry, along with Unearthed Solutions has launched Komatsu: Transform Mining hackathon.
Over the course of a 54-hour hackathon event held at River City Labs in Brisbane this weekend. Mining technology start-ups will be given the opportunity to showcase how their technology applies to the following four major mining challenges currently faced by Komatsu:
- Communications and Localisation
- Realtime Material Characterisation
- Ground Engaging Tools (GET)
- Efficient Ore Extraction
Throughout the event, the start-ups will be provided with an opportunity to work closely with Komatsu mentors and leading industry figures. Director – Simon Cohn, along with the other mentors will offer insights into modern operations, technology gaps, implementation, integration and future vision over the course of the hackathon.
Our General Manager – Strategy and Business Development – Maria Joyce is on the panel, alongside five other judges. Event will conclude on Sunday 25, February and the winning team will win a trip to one of Komatsu’s global sites, relevant to their technology and $10,000 in cash prizes.
“Innovation is created by a sense of crisis as a driving force. Mining sites are in a very harsh environment and both people and machinery have to keep fighting against the severe environment 24/7. Through hackathons with outside members who are familiar with mining sites, customers and advanced technologies, we greatly expect results that cannot be achieved by in-house development,” said Ryoichi Togashi, General Manager, Komatsu.
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