The mining division of Hexagon will soon be granted access to a real-world underground environment for technology testing, thanks to a new partnership inked with Montana Technological University.
The Arizona-based company said the agreement, which will permit use of the equipment and training drifts at the university’s Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC), will help fast-track its next-generation safety and collision avoidance technologies because the testing environment can speed development and validation of underground solutions for things such as operator safety and advanced simulation.
“As mines expand deeper in pursuit of scarcer deposits, operators face tightening spaces, reduced visibility, and rising safety risks. Hexagon’s solutions already address fatigue, situational awareness, and underground development challenges,” the company said. It added that the collaboration with UMEC can support the students who gain exposure to cutting-edge technologies, hands-on learning, and access to internship opportunities that strengthen the school’s educational experience and value proposition.
Mining division president Dave Goddard pointed out that risks to people and equipment are only increasing as mining goes deeper beneath the surface.
“Our agreement with Montana Technological University provides the ideal proving ground to accelerate life-saving innovation,” he said. “At the same time, we’re helping future miners engage directly with the tools reshaping their industry. It’s a partnership that advances safety, technology, and talent.”
UMEC’s full-scale mine environment enables rigorous testing of sensors, algorithms, and operator-machine interactions. Hexagon will use the site for simulation, validation, training, and demonstrations, helping bridge the gap between laboratory development and operational deployment while strengthening industry-academic collaboration.
The partnership aligns with Hexagon’s long-standing commitment to improving underground safety, following advancements such as fatigue-monitoring technology, integrated underground safety platforms, and real-time alertness solutions.
Hexagon’s work at UMEC will support the development of its next-generation underground collision avoidance system, helping ensure that underground workers and machines operate safely, regardless of depth, fleet size, or geological complexity.
Source: Hexagon