Advanced paleontological extraction system using data fusion informed overburden removal

This paper outlines a concept in which advanced data and sensor techniques can be applied to removing rock overburden from jacketed paleontological samples. These samples often are brought back to museums only to sit on shelves. We will combine CT scanning, x-ray fluorescent spectroscopy, and laser surface mapping to determine the location of the specimen within the sample along with various automated removal methods to separate the bone from matrix.