Cutting-edge, autonomous robot with a modular design, capable of flexible movement and equipped for both visual and non-destructive testing (NDT) inspection modes.
The engineered robot can operate in extreme fluctuating outdoor hot/cold temperature conditions.
Have potential application in inspection across various industries, including construction, and oil & gas.
Inspection robots are vital in the oil and gas industry, the largest sector requiring automated surveillance due to its hazardous and extreme conditions. These robots face challenges in autonomy and reliability, especially in Canada’s harsh climates where temperatures can reach -40 °C in the northern region. The industry’s infrastructure, including pipelines and storage tanks, must be regularly inspected and maintained to prevent damage from high pressure, temperature, vibration, and humidity. Current robotic systems lack the capability to conduct thorough inspections for damage in severe outdoor conditions, particularly in harsh winter environments with snow-clad landscapes and low temperatures.
University of Alberta researchers have developed a new mobile robot design that is highly modular and can be reconfigured into four different models: tracked with the robot arm, tracked with a camera PTZ mechanism, omni-wheeled with robot arm, and omni-wheeled with PTZ mechanism. With four different types of robot configurations, it is able to perform both visual and NDT type inspection interchangeably, navigate over all kinds of outdoor terrains, move in tight spaces, and inspect various objects such as pipelines, vehicles, infrastructure, plants, and equipments, and operate in extreme temperatures ranging from -40 °C to 60 °C.
Transforming discoveries and innovations into reality is a complex and lengthy process. UAlberta’s Technology Transfer Services (TTS) team helps facilitate this journey. Part of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) portfolio, TTS helps researchers, postdoctoral fellows, staff and students transform innovations and discoveries into reality—moving them out of the university to benefit society, the economy, the world.
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