I remember MANY years ago the Ripley mech used to be a powerful endgame tool for miners, but it has since fallen behind due to the speed and efficiency of newer equipment like the hoverboard, advanced plasma cutter, and bluespace bags.
BRINGING THE RIPLEY BACK!
To bring Ripley back into relevance, I propose a significant upgrade that would make it a desirable choice for miners once again. The new Ripley could feature a cooperative unlocking system between Science and Robotics, allowing them to develop a powerful new "Plasma Cutter" - three plasma cutters firing simultaneously (similar to how the drill works). This would give the Ripley the ability to mine more efficiently!
I also believe another small boost to its movement and attack speed (cycle speed?) would keep it competitive against faster mining methods.
Lastly, to help maintain a interest with advanced Lavaland players, you could even take it a step further by allowing them to showcase their Mega Fauna kills on the Mech (Drake armor changing its appearance and adding lava immunity).
With these upgrades Ripley would become a key tool for miners, especially in clearing out Lavaland of all its ore, making it the ideal choice for large scale excavation.