Hexagon to tap Montana Tech’s UMEC for development of next-gen underground collision avoidance system
Hexagon’s Mining division has signed an agreement with Montana Technological University, granting access to the university’s Underground Mine Education Center (UMEC), including its training drifts and specialised equipment.
The partnership provides a unique, real-world test environment to accelerate development of Hexagon’s next-generation underground technologies, it says, particularly collision avoidance, 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.
Collaboration with UMEC enhances this work while also supporting 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. Hexagon says it has long supported and partnered with mining schools and students worldwide via sponsorships, scholarships, software licences and research collaborations.
Dave Goddard, President, Hexagon’s Mining division, said: “As the industry pushes deeper beneath the surface, the risks to people and equipment only increase. Our agreement with Montana Technological University provides the ideal proving ground to accelerate life-saving innovation. 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.
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