Borterra, MEDATech’s specialty drilling solutions division, announces commercial release of robotic rod handling technology custom engineered for underground mining
COLLINGWOOD, ONTARIO – 27 February 2026 – Four years after developing its first ‘RodBot’ technology for geotechnical drilling applications and just in time for the mining industry’s annual gathering at PDAC, MEDATech’s specialty drilling solutions division is announcing the expansion of its robotic rod handling product line with the addition of a RodBot specifically engineered for the underground environment. The Borterra LP (low profile) RodBot is a compact, purpose-built version of the original RodBot design for geotechnical surface drilling. The initial low-profile unit has been sold to Machines Roger International, a Val d’Or, Quebec-based contractor who will be deploying the unit at an underground mine in the Abitibi region this summer.
The LP RodBot for underground applications combines onboard rod storage with a low-profile design, providing the strength and reach required for underground drill rod handling in tight headings. At approximately 6,000 pounds (approximately 2,700 kilograms), it can be moved by forklift, enabling fast redeployment between drifts. With LP RodBot, end-users get robust rod handling capability at a fraction of the size and weight of conventional underground systems.
“What’s new and novel about our LP RodBot is that its semi-autonomous rod handling capability allows operators to save positions and supervise rod movements while focusing on drill operation, and its intuitive controls eliminate the need to manually control each movement, allowing operators to gain confidence and accuracy quickly,” notes Taylor Davies, Division Manager, Borterra Specialty Drilling Solutions. “This short learning curve enables more operators to become proficient in rod-handling, reducing personnel bottlenecks. We’re confident that its unique combination of application-specific technology and robust design will deliver immediate efficiencies and safety dividends within the underground mining cycle.”
“I started my mining career four decades ago working on a drill crew underground in the Abitibi and a lot has changed in mining since then. Now we have the technology to go with the drilling expertise in the industry, to make the working environment for operators significantly safer and more productive,” adds Robert Rennie, Founder and President, MEDATech Engineering. “I’m thrilled that the multi-talented engineering team at MEDATech is doing its part to help make underground mining a 21st century technology story.”
MEDATech media contact:
- Stuart Lister
- VP Marketing & Corporate Development
- Cell: 705.241.3247
- Email: [email protected]
About MEDATech
Founded in 2003, MEDATech is a global leader in mobile heavy equipment technology integration for the mining, oil & gas, energy, transportation, construction, waste management, and material handling sectors. With a comprehensive team of mechanical, electrical, and software engineers who understand the complexities of the heavy equipment applications they are designing for, along with in-house strategic manufacturing capabilities, MEDATech has established a global reputation for working in partnership with its customers to address the difficult-to-solve challenges facing multiple industries looking to leverage the maximum safety, productivity, and environmental benefits from electrification, automation, and digitalization. For more information, please visit: www.medatech.ca