Chilean startup and SQM launch first mining logistics virtual voice assistant

December 2021 “ArmonIA, when will the next truck reach the site?” This question, which is similar to one that one might ask about public transportation while using one of the virtual assistants available on our smart phones, has reached the mining industry. This innovative solution was developed by the Chilean startup Migtra, which is bringing this technology to decision-makers on the ground in collaboration with SQM.

The national mining sector is facing a series of challenges including modernizing and optimizing various areas, particularly related to cargo transport between sites. ArmonIA thus represents a significant contribution to mining transport system productivity and safety that allows stakeholders to optimize their processes. ArmonIA quickly and accurately provides the information requested  using simple questions or phrases.

The tech company Migtra, which specializes in artificial intelligence for transportation, provided a solution that allows users to access key information for coordinating the various operations areas and service vehicles using voice commands. If a decision-maker is in a loading area and needs to know how many vehicles are on the way and what they are carrying, they can use the virtual assistant ArmonIA to access highly precise online data using a simple and intuitive platform.

How does it work?

ArmonIA is an application that can be downloaded from the Google Play Store. It uses the Android system and is based on NPL (natural processing language) artificial intelligence algorithms that allow it to understand the user’s questions and provide verbal responses.

The user must identify themselves as an authorized user and then simply asks the question naturally. How many vehicles carrying sylvinite are headed to Coya Sur? When will the next truck carrying sylvinite get here? Is there any risk of a bottleneck?

The virtual assistant uses predictive algorithms to project the situation that the system will face over the next few hours.

“Our in-depth knowledge of mining sector highway systems allows us to understand its needs and challenges. That’s why we believe that ArmonIA will revolutionize highway transport and will have a positive impact on efficiency and job safety,” explains Migtra CEO Pedro García. He adds, “Our in-depth knowledge of mining sector highway systems allows us to understand its needs and challenges. That’s why we believe that ArmonIA will revolutionize the way highway transport is operating and will have a positive impact on efficiency and job safety.”

On the Ground

SQM, a global mining firm with a presence in strategic industries for human development, has confirmed the system’s effectiveness, and its on-site work teams are already using ArmonIA.  José Miguel Berguño, SQM’s Senior Vice President of Nitrate Operations, remarked: “At SQM, and specifically in our Ground Transport area, we have a robust portfolio of initiatives focused on process optimization, employee safety, the wellbeing of neighboring communities and decreasing polluting gas emissions, among other things. This application aligns with that and is part of the road map that allows us to test new technologies developed in Chile that contribute to making our transportation more efficient.”

For her part, SQM Ground Transport Dispatch Supervisor María Belén Aguilera explains, “This initiative resolves certain issues that we used to face on the ground. For example, we used to have to go back to the office or call colleagues at other sites to access key information when we were working at a site. Now we can take action and make decisions in a timely manner based on updated information on the number of trucks on their way and the distances and arrival times. We can access information about driver rest times and other data.”

The app will initially be used by 28 of SQM’s supervisors and will then be available to internal drivers and contractors. The goal is to help manage 400 trucks that complete 1,400 loading and unloading operations per day at five SQM sites, thus achieving operational continuity, process optimization, safety and greater incentives for transport companies, as they can improve their times based on the data provided by the application, maximizing their income per trip.

We anticipate using this technology in other industries where access to information helps increase productivity and decrease accidents. ArmonIA hopes to reach 80% of companies in the energy and fuel, food production, forestry, dairy, metallurgy and other fields.

About Migtra

Migtra was created in 2017, and tripled its sales in Chile between 2019 and 2020. It is currently part of the accelerator Magical, and has received support from Corfo, the Chilean Economic Development Agency, and the German-Chilean Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAMCHAL). Its solutions add value to transportation systems through innovative technological solutions. Migtra focuses on providing reliable transportation operations risk management and productivity development services.  One of its clients and strategic allies is SQM, with which it has developed most of the solutions that are now available on the market.  Migtra also works with companies like Transportes Nazar, Agrosuper, Abastible, Codelco Salvador, Enex and Coseducam.

About SQM

Northern-Chile-based SQM has provided solutions for human progress for 53 years through its five business lines. Its products are essential for the healthcare, nutrition and technology industries and for the generation of the clean energies that move the world. SQM is a company that was built and is managed based on a culture of excellence, safety, sustainability and integrity. It seeks to position itself as a leader in sustainability in order to create a “green” brand through ongoing efforts to responsibly manage natural resources, care for the environment, build close relationships based on trust with local communities and create shared social value.