The mining industry is the backbone of modern life—the copper in your phone, the lithium in your car battery, the steel in skyscrapers. But behind the scenes, the sector faces challenges as rugged as the terrain it operates in: data trapped in silos, workplace safety demands, a growing focus on sustainability, and a workforce racing against time as seasoned experts retire.
At NB Industries, we’ve always believed in solving problems by embracing the latest technology and innovations available.
Guided by our core value of “solve and share,” we know that collaboration is the key to unlocking real progress. That’s why we’ve partnered with SORBA.ai.
From Autonomous Trucks to AI: A Story of Pragmatic Innovation
For nearly two decades, we’ve partnered with Australia’s mining industry, tackling challenges and driving progress. From converting traditional vehicles and fleets into autonomous, future-ready systems to building rugged wireless networks that withstand extreme weather and remote locations, we’ve delivered practical solutions for the harshest conditions. Our mission? To bridge the gap between ‘what is’ and ‘what’s next’.
Now, collaborating with SORBA.ai—a sophisticated Industrial AI platform specialising in predictive analytics—we’re tackling the industry’s toughest challenges with a mix of experience, innovation, and cutting-edge technology.
Five Problems, One Solution
- Locked Out of Your Own Data: Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) often hold machine data hostage, restricting access to critical information that operators need to optimise performance and prevent failures. SORBA.ai cuts through the red tape, enabling operators to gather data directly from equipment sensors.
- Flying Blind: Without real-time alerts, an engine failure or an excavator’s or system breakdown can bring operations to a standstill for hours, costing millions in lost productivity. SORBA’s edge-computing agents act like sentries, monitoring equipment 24/7 and spotting trouble before it starts. Whether it’s a looming engine issue or a potential hydraulic leak, the system flags it early, giving operators the chance to act before it becomes a problem.
- The Knowledge Exodus: When a veteran operator retires, decades of expertise walk out the door. AI preserves that legacy, turning tribal wisdom into actionable insights that guide new teams, ensuring critical knowledge isn’t lost but passed on.
- Data Silos, Real-World Chaos: Imagine trying to solve a puzzle where half the pieces are in different rooms. That’s what happens when critical data—maintenance logs, equipment stats, production reports—are trapped in separate systems. SORBA.ai pulls it all into one place, giving operators a single dashboard that shows everything in one place. No more guessing, no more cross-referencing spreadsheets. Just clarity.
- Costs Spiral, Margins Shrink: Misaligned IT (Information Technology) and OT (Operational Technology) strategies inflate budgets. By slashing downtime and optimising processes, we’re hitting costs where it hurts.
“Partnering with NB Industries aligns perfectly with our mission to transform industries through AI-powered innovation. Together, we aim to provide seamless, scalable, and impactful solutions to meet the demands of today’s industrial landscape.”
How It Works: Simple, Smart, and Effective
SORBA.ai’s strength lies in its simplicity. It’s like having a seasoned mechanic who never sleeps, constantly monitoring your equipment for signs of trouble. Here’s how it works:
- Collect: Sensors on mining equipment gather data and send it to the cloud.
- Process: The platform analyses years of data in minutes, uncovering patterns even the most experienced engineers might miss.
- Deploy: Custom “Smart Agents” (think of them as digital tradesperson) are deployed on-site, keeping a watchful eye on equipment 24/7.
- Predict: Days before an excavator’s hydraulic system fails or a haul truck’s engine shows signs of strain, the system flags it—like a mechanic’s intuition, but faster and more precise.
Sustainability Isn’t a Sacrifice—It’s a Strategy
Mining’s environmental impact is under increasing scrutiny, but we see this as an opportunity to innovate. Sustainability isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing better. By fine-tuning equipment performance, SORBA.ai helps extend machinery life, reduce energy use, and cut waste.
A New Chapter for Industry
This isn’t about machines replacing people. It’s about combining the best of technology with human expertise to drive efficiency and excellence. By breaking down data silos, making advanced tools accessible, and embedding sustainability into every decision, we’re helping Australia’s mining, transport, and resource industries stay at the forefront of operational efficiency.
For more information, visit SORBA.ai’s solutions at www.sorba.ai.
