Artificial intelligence, automation, electromobility, decarbonization and new operational safety solutions take center stage at the international exhibition, reinforcing Antofagasta’s position as a hub where the technologies transforming industry worldwide converge.
The technological transformation underway across the global mining industry finds one of its key gathering points at EXPONOR 2026. Over four days, the exhibition brings together in Antofagasta—Chile’s mining, energy, industrial, port and technology hub—companies, tech entrepreneurs, mining and energy operators, and innovation centers showcasing solutions designed to address the production, environmental and operational challenges that will define the future of industry.
Artificial intelligence, automation, electromobility, decarbonization and technologies designed to enhance mine safety are among the exhibition’s most prominent themes. From AI-powered predictive systems and remote monitoring platforms to autonomous robots, neurotechnology solutions and emissions-reduction tools, EXPONOR has established itself as an international showcase for the innovations driving a more efficient, safer and more sustainable mining industry.
Marko Razmilic, President of the Antofagasta Industrial Association (AIA), highlighted that “EXPONOR has undoubtedly become the platform where new technologies converge with industry requirements to shape the future of mining in the region and across the country. We believe that EXPONOR will enable highly significant technological advances and technology transfer opportunities that will help build a sustainable, efficient and productive mining industry.”
One of the exhibition spaces attracting the greatest attention from visitors is the stand of SK Godelius, a company that develops robotic solutions for mining and industry and is conducting demonstrations of autonomous and remotely operated robots throughout EXPONOR 2026.
Arsenio Fernández, Strategic Transformation Manager at Godelius, explained that “we brought to EXPONOR a quadruped robot designed for the inspection of critical mining assets. It is equipped with optical cameras, thermal imaging cameras and microphones capable of detecting anomalies in conveyor belts, identifying and classifying them, and generating real-time alerts for maintenance teams. In addition, it removes personnel from tasks that may involve higher levels of risk, contributing to safer and more efficient operations.”
Another innovation featured at the exhibition comes from Brain Treatment Center, a company that uses neurotechnology to monitor cognitive variables associated with operational safety and the performance of workers carrying out critical functions.
Mikael Gayme, CEO of Brain Treatment Center, stated that “we are the first company to offer a technology capable of measuring and improving human cognitive and neural performance. We can assess workers’ physiological state, attention levels, alertness, fatigue and concentration, and then intervene to help improve their performance. The objective is to reduce accidents, prevent burnout and mitigate mental health-related risks among individuals operating machinery or making critical decisions in mining environments.”
Process digitization and the incorporation of advanced engineering methodologies are also among the innovations showcased at EXPONOR 2026.
Williams Rebolledo, owner of Ingemecanic, explained that “we provide laser scanning and point-cloud services and are implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) across all of our mining projects. The benefits of applying BIM include time savings, reduced labor and processing costs, and greater project accuracy.”
Meanwhile, the automation of high-risk tasks is also playing a prominent role at the exhibition through solutions aimed at improving safety and operational continuity in mining plants.
Nataniel Martínez, Operator and Maintenance Technician at Robotika, stated that “we specialize in the use of low-profile radio-controlled equipment to support industrial housekeeping operations in large-scale mining. These systems help maintain continuous plant operations while reducing downtime associated with cleaning activities. Our equipment can operate beneath moving conveyor belts without requiring personnel to be exposed to risk or musculoskeletal disorders.”
Innovation for a More Sustainable Mining Industry
The transition toward an increasingly decarbonized mining industry is also strongly represented at EXPONOR 2026. Energy companies are showcasing solutions based on renewable energy, energy efficiency and emissions offsetting, contributing to the sustainability goals currently being pursued by the country’s leading mining companies.
Salomé Córdova, Head of External Affairs for Colbún in Antofagasta, highlighted that “Colbún is the third-largest energy supplier to the mining industry in Chile, and two-thirds of the energy we provide comes from renewable sources. In Taltal, we operate the Horizonte Wind Farm, which helps meet the energy demand of the mining sector. In addition, we are working alongside the AIA to calculate and offset the carbon footprint of EXPONOR 2026, contributing to the development of an increasingly sustainable event.”
With more than 1,350 exhibiting companies from 36 countries and a strong showcase of cutting-edge technologies, EXPONOR 2026 reaffirms its position as one of the leading international platforms for innovation applied to mining, energy and industry, driving solutions that will contribute to building a more competitive, sustainable and future-ready economy.
