Episode 139 - Autonomous Mining Critical to Global Demand for Minerals

With the exponential rise in EV adoption comes a surge in global demand for minerals like graphite, lithium, nickel and cobalt. To keep pace, more mines around the world are needed to get up and running quickly.

Enter SafeAI, a company accelerating the world’s transition to autonomous mining and construction. By retrofitting heavy duty vehicles and site operations with autonomous technology, SafeAI enables safer, more productive, and more cost-efficient worksites.

In terms of supporting the EV supply chain, SafeAI’s autonomously operating assets can significantly expedite the development of a mine, which typically takes up to 10 years. Enabled by autonomy, each vehicle can add approximately 1,000 additional hours of productivity per year.

We sat down with Bibhrajit Halder, Founder & CEO of SafeAI, to discuss the global state of mining, the move to zero-emission vehicles, and the future of autonomous mining and construction in an era of massive industry adoption.

Meet Our Guest

BIBHRAJIT HALDER
Founder & CEO, SafeAI

Bibhrajit Halder is the Founder & CEO of SafeAI, a leader in autonomous heavy equipment. He got his start in autonomy during the early aughts at the DARPA Grand Challenge, and went on to autonomous projects at Caterpillar, Ford, Faraday Future and Apple before founding SafeAI in 2017. Halder holds a PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Vanderbilt University, and an MS in Mathematics and Mechanical Engineering from Ohio University.

Our Host


 

GRAYSON BRULTE
Innovation Strategist & Co-Founder, Brulte & Company
 

Grayson Brulte is an autonomous mobility advisor and consultant who provides strategic counsel and political insights to help clients navigate what’s next.

As an SAE strategic partner since 2017, Grayson brings his in-depth industry knowledge to host SAE Tomorrow Today. His unique perspective factors in economics, politics and technology into one-of-kind weekly conversations with innovators changing mobility and its impact on society.

Grayson is a thought-leader who regularly provides insights to publications including Bloomberg, Reuters, The Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, Hollywood Reporter and Forbes. His written opinions and insights have been featured by organizations including the Consumer Technology Association in presentations to the Federal Trade Commission.

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