Impossible Metals says its AI seabed robot picked up nodules at more than 4,000 metres

Impossible Metals, a deep-sea mining company, said on Monday it has tested an autonomous robot that uses AI to pick up minerals from the seabed at depths of more than 4,000 metres in the Pacific Ocean.

The target is polymetallic nodules, potato-shaped rocks that contain copper, nickel and other minerals used in electric vehicles and electronics. Many companies plan to use vacuum-like devices to collect them, which environmental groups criticise. Impossible Metals says its robot, which has a large claw, uses AI to avoid sea life and so reduce harm.

It carried out the test on a scientific expedition in September, when the robot steered itself down to the seabed, gathered about 450 grams of nodules and came back up. The company will use the results to build a larger version, and it still needs approval from the International Seabed Authority or the US government.

The company also said the family of FedEx founder Fred Smith joined its Series A funding round. Richard Smith, a FedEx executive, said the family is now its second-largest shareholder. Media reports put the round at about $25 million.