2025/05/21 by Loo, Alex
Engineering · #Artificial Intelligence and Robotics #Business #Communication #Communication Technology and New Media #Computer Engineering #Computer Sciences #Engineering #Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces #Mining Engineering #Physical Sciences and Mathematics #Robotics #Social and Behavioral Sciences #human computer interaction #mining #operator credentialing #simulation training #teleoperation #workforce modernization
paper · doi:10.17605/osf.io/se6nb
Abstract: This paper presents a novel, scalable framework to address one of the most pressing challenges facing the global mining industry: the acute shortage of skilled heavy equipment operators. We propose a phased transition strategy that repurposes gaming expertise—particularly among experienced multiplayer gamers—into remote machine operation capabilities for industrial mining applications. The initiative, referred to as Gamers-to-Mine-Operators, offers an immediate pathway for workforce modernization while laying the foundation for lunar and Martian resource extraction. The proposed architecture combines on-site control rooms, drone-based safety oversight, private 5G/6G connectivity, and a structured training and certification ecosystem. We further argue that this human-in-the-loop framework is not only suited for terrestrial mining modernization but is also a precursor to remote mining operations for off-world environments.