Intelligent robots detect cracks in tunnels

A new robot called Robinspect (ROBotic System with Intelligent Vision and Control for Tunnel Structural INSPECTion and Evaluation) is placed at the end of a truck crane to search for cracks, fissures and openings on tunnel walls.

Roadway shutdowns that usually hinder traffic during inspections are avoided, due to the robot's fast operation. It seems to be a valuable partner for human inspectors not only for its speed but also for its precision. Robinspect is designed to detect and analyze every tiny gap or open joint and measure the radial deformation in the cross-section as well as the distance between cracks, with great accuracy. The project started last month by infrastructure engineers from Spain, France, Germany, Switzerland, Greece, Italy and the U.K. The robot is scheduled to go into service in the tunnels of U.K., Greece and Switzerland, at the end of 2014.

Read more about project’s Scientific Methodology and associated work plan

Source: Wired.com