After more than 15 years of working in demanding mining operations, we have become aware of the fragility and dependence of optical vision. Advances in autonomous and remote control technology have further increased the need for reliable sensors. The downside of external hardware, such as nozzles, hoses, and air tanks, that become fragile under harsh conditions or require ongoing maintenance is costly, reduces downtime, limits where cameras can be installed, and reduces employee safety. This leads to the problem above. We are developing a family of products with self-cleaning capabilities that eliminate the need for this fragile external hardware, significantly reduce maintenance downtime, and increase worker safety.