University of Arizona startup GUIA is testing a mining communication and sensor platform to help save lives.

The technology was developed by faculty in the U of A College of Engineering and Lowell Institute for Mineral Resources.  

Known as the SMART Suite 5.0, the technology features sensors that can detect and report on components of worker health and safety.

Moe Momayez, UA professor of mining and geological engineering who is part of a team that invented the technology, said it’s a lot like NASA monitoring astronauts from mission control.

“So that would allow the mining company to monitor people the way they monitor assets. Another aspect of this invention it allows the managers of the mining operations to monitor the mine environment," Momayez said.

According to Momayez, the technology can utilize Bluetooth, wifi and VHS to transmit data, audio and video signals. The technology is currently being tested in San Xavier Underground Mining Laboratory with results expected in March.