Sejong University · Department of Energy Resources & Geosystems Engineering
Sejong University · Department of Energy Resources & Geosystems Engineering
🧭 Our Mission
SMART-X Lab is committed to pioneering the next generation of intelligent systems for mining and energy engineering. By integrating AI, robotics, simulation, and renewable technologies, we address critical challenges in resource development, operational safety, and carbon neutrality. Our interdisciplinary approach merges geosystems engineering with digital innovation, creating real-world solutions for autonomous mining, energy-aware infrastructure, and resilient supply chains.
We aim to lead global advancements in smart mining and sustainable energy systems by developing scalable technologies, fostering data-driven decision-making, and shaping future-ready engineers and systems.
☀️ Energy AI for Sustainable Energy Future
We develop solar energy, energy storage, and mobility-integrated systems supported by ICT and AI. Our recent focus includes Vehicle-Integrated Photovoltaics (VIPV), floating PV in mine lakes, and solar forecasting for grid stability and EV charging.
We also lead GIS-based energy potential assessment, self-consumption optimization, and digital twin solutions for PV lifecycle management. Our work contributes to the realization of smart cities and net-zero mining infrastructure.
🧠 AI-Powered Mining Intelligence
We leverage Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize mining operations and energy systems. Our core research includes deep learning, reinforcement learning, and anomaly detection applied to equipment control, flotation monitoring, and operational safety.
We have developed AI-based platforms for autonomous decision-making, predictive maintenance, sound recognition for load cycle tracking, and image-based material classification. Through real-time data processing, sensor fusion, and cloud-integrated digital twins, we support autonomous systems that adapt to dynamic field environments with minimal human intervention.
🤖 Autonomous Robotics for Extreme Environments
We design robotic platforms for autonomous operation in hazardous and GPS-denied environments such as underground mines and remote industrial sites. Our systems combine LiDAR, SLAM, 3D point cloud registration, and AI-enhanced localization for seamless robotic navigation, perception, and mapping.
Key developments include autonomous driving robots for tunnel mapping, robotic arms for high-risk inspection, and collaborative robots for sample collection and manipulation. These technologies are field-tested and developed in close alignment with the future of unmanned, safe, and high-efficiency mining.
🛠️ Simulation & Digital Twin-Based Optimization
We use simulation modeling and digital twin systems to evaluate, plan, and optimize mining and energy operations. Our research spans discrete event simulation, 3D modeling, and real-time optimization for production systems and smart grid design.
Digital twins are applied across the lifecycle of both mines and solar infrastructure, enabling performance forecasting, condition-based maintenance, and scenario testing. Our models allow decision-makers to explore complex strategies in a virtual space before real-world deployment.
🔁 Sustainable Mining with Renewable Integration
We explore how renewable technologies can be deployed in operational and closed mines to enhance energy independence and sustainability. Our models simulate hybrid energy deployment (PV, BESS, wind), evaluate land reuse potential, and develop energy transition strategies for remote mining areas.
This research supports the dual goals of industrial decarbonization and circular resource management, including repurposing closed mines for community-scale renewable generation.
🌍 Critical Minerals & Supply Chain Simulation
We analyze the global supply chains of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and graphite using simulation and system dynamics modeling. Our tools quantify geopolitical risk, trade dependency, and supply resilience across the battery and energy transition value chains.
By integrating GIS, trade data, and policy analysis, we support strategy development for resource security, localization, and decarbonization in mineral-intensive industries.
🪐 Space Mining & Off-Earth Resource Utilization
We envision the next frontier of mining by studying space resource exploration and utilization technologies. Our work includes autonomous system development for lunar/martian operations, AI-based regolith handling, and 3D simulation of extraterrestrial mining environments.
Research directions include mission simulation, robotics for microgravity mining, and space-based energy systems. By combining terrestrial smart mining expertise with space engineering, SMART-X Lab contributes to the long-term vision of sustainable off-Earth industrialization.
Funding Agency: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Period: July 2024 – December 2028
Funding Agency: Ministry of Science and ICT (NRF)
Role: Principal Investigator
Period: September 2023 – February 2027
Funding Agency: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (KETEP)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Period: July 2023 – December 2028
Funding Agency: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (KETEP)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Period: April 2022 – December 2026
Funding Agency: Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (KETEP)
Role: Co-Principal Investigator
Period: April 2022 – December 2026