Microwave-based mining systems and methods with robotic arm waveguide

A system for excavating a rock face using microwaves, the system comprising:

• a microwave generator;
• an articulable robotic arm comprising a plurality of rotatably connected waveguide segments, the plurality of rotatably connected waveguide segments being rigid;
• an applicator attached to a distal end of the articulable robotic arm;
• and
• a control system comprising one or more sensors, the control system configured to:
• produce microwaves with the microwave generator for travel through the plurality of rotatably connected waveguide segments to the applicator,
• move the articulable robotic arm such that the applicator moves along the rock face as the microwaves exit the applicator,
• wherein the control system is configured to detect a microwave mining parameter using the one or more sensors and to control production of the microwaves and movement of the articulable robotic arm based on the microwave mining parameter.