Exploring the Skills Challenges of Robotics at Anglo American Platinum.

Abstract

The research focuses on investigating the skill challenges related to a people centric approach to adoption of advanced technologies in the mining industry, particularly a people centric robotics technology adoption. Given the reality that the South Africa idealises a people-centric approach to robotics technology adoption, the research investigates how Critical Systems Thinking (CST) can facilitate this people-centric adoption of robotics technology, ensuring alignment with responsible mining practices. The study aims to explore how the required skill sets for robotics adoption can be developed through an early talent development strategy using the Anglo-American Platinum Schools Project as a case study. The research provides important insights to influence policymaking that can ensure the successful adoption of robotics technologies in the mining industry. It primarily contributes insights into the theories concerned with the use of critical systems thinking in the adoption of emerging technologies. The research contribute to the need for expanding literature on how the mining industry can adopt robotics technologies in a relevant and responsible manner.