LoopX, a Canadian startup specializing in AI and robotics solutions for the mining industry, has secured a pre-seed investment from global engineering firm Hatch. The partnership signals a strategic commitment from Hatch to advance safer, smarter, and more sustainable mining operations through cutting-edge technology.
Founded in 2022 and headquartered in Waterloo and Sudbury, Ontario, LoopX is at the forefront of developing interoperable autonomy and collision avoidance systems tailored for both industrial and mining applications. Hatch’s investment in LoopX’s recent seed round goes beyond financial backing; it includes deep technical expertise and global project experience aimed at accelerating the deployment of LoopX’s autonomous mining technologies.
Hatch’s multidisciplinary teams will play a pivotal role in integrating LoopX’s AI-powered systems into large-scale mining operations. This collaboration will offer guidance on implementation, risk mitigation, and life cycle optimization, ensuring that LoopX’s solutions are seamlessly integrated into existing mining infrastructures. Furthermore, Hatch’s extensive global client network and commercialization pathways will position LoopX to scale its solutions across diverse geographies and equipment types.
“The partnership also enables collaborative innovation, with Hatch contributing engineering insights to enhance product development and uncover new applications for LoopX’s autonomy platforms,” said a spokesperson for Hatch. “The collaboration reflects some of Hatch’s core values, including achieving no harm and innovating all that we do.”
Mark Deziel, Global Director of Mining at Hatch, emphasized the alignment of LoopX’s technology with Hatch’s mission to promote safe and sustainable mining operations. “LoopX’s autonomy solutions align closely with Hatch’s focus on helping our clients to operate safe and sustainable mining operations,” Deziel said. “Their technology allows existing fleets to be retrofitted with advanced safety and automation features, giving our clients a practical, cost-effective path to safer, more productive operations.”
Chao Yu, founder and CEO of LoopX, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “Our new partnership with Hatch is a powerful endorsement of our mission to make mining safer, smarter, and more autonomous. Their deep industry expertise and global reach will accelerate our ability to deploy AI-driven solutions that transform how mines operate – unlocking new levels of safety, efficiency, and sustainability.”
This collaboration between LoopX and Hatch could have significant implications for the mining industry. The integration of AI and robotics into mining operations has the potential to revolutionize safety protocols, operational efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By retrofitting existing fleets with advanced autonomy and collision avoidance systems, mines can reduce the risk of accidents and improve productivity without the need for extensive capital expenditures on new equipment.
Moreover, the partnership underscores a growing trend in the mining sector towards adopting advanced technologies to address long-standing challenges. As the industry faces increasing pressure to enhance safety and reduce environmental impact, the deployment of AI-driven solutions could provide a viable path forward. The collaboration between LoopX and Hatch not only highlights the potential of these technologies but also sets a precedent for other companies to follow suit.
The strategic investment and partnership between LoopX and Hatch represent a significant step forward in the evolution of the mining industry. By leveraging AI and robotics, the two companies aim to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable mining operations. As the industry continues to evolve, the adoption of such technologies could become a standard practice, reshaping the future of mining.