Reconfigured Robotic Manipulator Designed for Pipe Inspection in Harsh Environment

The Laboratory of the Interactive and Robotic Systems (IRS) of the Jaume I University of Castellon (Castellon de la Plana, Valencia, Spain) designed a reconfigured robotic manipulator.

The robot includes a remote control station with 3D scanning, modular and multi-device software for 3D modeling, which involves the use of a digital double for training operators, in order to work with hazardous conditions for human health, primarily during the inspection of plastic pipes using sounding and computer vision.

A new technology tested on an experimental scale at the Research Center in Robotics and Underwater Technologies (CIRTESU) can be used to inspect pipes and plastic materials in particle accelerators and nuclear power plants. It can be adapted to support teaching and medical personnel in other types of harsh environment, for example, in infectious conditions.

The software consists of the server based Robot Operating System (ROS) and several client programs that can be expanded according to specific mission requirements. The equipment also includes wireless communication, various technical vision devices, localization methods, etc.