The Rio Tinto innovation centre (RTIC) will build automated technologies for mining operations and focus on disciplines such as image processing, advanced data mining and analytics, automation and control systems, and design and logistics.
iGATE Patni will provide Rio Tinto with engineering research and development services over a period of five years.
Rio Tinto head of Innovation John McGagh said, "RTIC will allow us to take a specific technology developed at one of our centres of excellence, such as the mine automation system currently in use at our Pilbara iron ore operations in Western Australia, and adapt it for broader application across our network of mines."
The centre will also assist in providing industrial automation and control, software and embedded design and development, and general engineering services.
The partnership will base its work on established Rio Tinto centers in Australia, Canada and the UK.
