# Applications of the Open-Source Hardware Arduino Platform in the Mining Industry: A Review
## 1 Introduction  
In the fourth industrial revolution, information and communication technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence, big data, 3D printing, and robotics have played important roles in various fields. To increase safety and productivity in the mining industry, smart mining technologies combining the above-mentioned technologies have been developed [1, 2]. Mining equipment, such as drills, trucks, shovels, and conveyors, can be automated, and various valuable data can be collected from them. However, they are expensive and difficult to use in small mining companies. Therefore, recently, attempts have been made to utilize inexpensive open-source technology for mining. Open-source technology has provided key building blocks for interoperability and flexibility and is expected to play a key role in the future [3]. Since the 90s, the term \"open-source\" has been used to describe free software, i.e., the public can use the source code freely [4]. Many open-source organizations, such as the Apache Software Foundation, Linux Professional Institute, Eclipse Foundation, and Mozilla Foundation, have successfully used open-source technology in industry [5]. Recently, in addition to open-source software, open-source hardware has also been employed in various fields, including the mining industry. Open-source hardware refers to the design specifications of a physical object that can be studied, modified, produced, and distributed by anyone [6]. With permissive licenses, open-source hardware can be freely redistributed and modified, helping manufacturers to accelerate design and improve interoperability, by supporting faster prototyping and customization of reprogrammable components [7]. In addition, open-source hardware can be a low-cost alternative to scientific instrumentation and research requiring the collection of data for a particular process or event [8]. Open-source hardware has been used in many sectors, such as in education [9; 10; 11], agriculture [12; 13; 14; 15; 16; 17; 18], ecology [19; 20], and energy [8; 21] and is continuously expanding, owing to its advantages regarding self-development objectives and higher cost efficiencies [22]. Numerous open-source hardware projects exist in sectors such as computer systems, communications, robotics, machines and production tools, and science, as shown in Table 1[23]. In particular, there are many types of open-source computing hardware related to computer systems. [24]. Therefore, it is impossible to manage all types of open-source hardware. Accordingly, this study targets Arduino, one of the most popular open-source computing hardware platforms. Arduino is an open-source electronics platform created at the Ivrea Interaction Design Institute. It consists of a programmable microcontroller mounted on a circuit board. Arduino can convert input information obtained from a connected sensor to output and extend functionality through add-on boards called \"shields.\" It can perform physical control by using an actuator such as a motor or light-emitting diode (LED). Arduino is relatively inexpensive compared to other microcontroller platforms and is sufficiently versatile to run on Windows, Macintosh OSX, and Linux operating systems [25]. The language of Arduino software can be extended through C++ libraries, and the Arduino hardware is also extensible, i.e., users can develop their own version of the module. As a result, researchers have made low-cost instruments suitable for their needs by utilizing the Arduino platform. Recently, the research and development of products for IoT applications, wearables, and automation using the Arduino board have been increasing in the mining industry [26; 27]. For example, [PERSON] and [PERSON] [28] monitored the environment of an underground mine by connecting gas, temperature, and humidity sensors to an Arduino Mega and installing them on site. The results were transmitted to a base station via Bluetooth low energy (BLE).