Curio NDT robot for the construction industry

Abstract

Examines a prototype robot which is being developed to carry out non‐destructive inspection maintenance and repair [IMR] of buildings and structures. Describes some of the areas where IMR is crucial i.e. bridges, tall buildings and petro‐chemical storage tanks and the variety of inspection tasks a robot would be required to carry out. Looks at the essential technologies to be considered for a successful inspection robot and outlines the areas of access and mobility, robot construction, control strategy and the external sensing systems it would need. Concludes that this prototype is capable of delivering single NDT packages and that in the future it is intended that the robot will be able to exchange its own NDT packages. Expresses some reservation about whether a free climbing version would be viable.

Citation

Chamberlain, D.A. and Bleakley, G.J. (1994), "Curio NDT robot for the construction industry", Industrial Robot, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 29-31. https://doi.org/10.1108/01439919410068186