Airobotics co-founder and chief executive officer Ran Krauss said the launch would be the first deployment for Airobotics in Australia.

South32 is expected to use the drone to amass data and insights from Worsley, in a 3D digital environment that could enable future improvements.

The platform is the first of its kind in the global market and comes in three parts; Optimus, the drone; Airbase, the automated base station; and the cloud based software.

The drone can be launched automatically from the Airbase on pre-programed or on-demand missions, and once a mission is complete the drone returns to the Airbase, where a robotic arm replaces its battery and payload before deploying the drone on the next mission.

With a swappable payload mechanism the multi-tool drone is also capable of carrying various sensors and payloads.

Airobotics is working to pick up a Remote Operator’s Certificate from The Civil Aviation Safety Authority to go with its US Federal Aviation Administration waiver authorisation and commercial license from the Civil Aviation Authority International in Israel.