Putting robots in harm’s way. Instead of people.

Posted by Derek Mason

16th July 2024

Picture credit: KS KYUNG on Unsplash

Installing services in tunnels is hazardous and labour intensive, but by taking the revolutionary step of combining robotics and artificial intelligence, those challenges can now be mitigated. In fact, a consortium of engineering and robotics leaders has developed a prototype system for installing mechanical and civil services in tunnels.

The Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation System (ATRIS) can select brackets, find where they need to be mounted on a tunnel wall, and undertake installation – all autonomously.

An automated solution like this is perfectly conceived to improve health and safety, both reducing the need to work at height in confined spaces, and cutting down on the hand-arm vibration workers can experience during installation.

This 22-month project has been led by Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), in partnership with i3D robotics (i3D), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Costain, and VVB Engineering. Partly funded by Innovate UK’s Smart grant, each party in the consortium has brought its own expertise to the project.

MTC led on the design and manufacture of the robot’s end effectors, i3D worked on visualisation software for tunnel navigation, and Costain and VBB brought tunnelling knowledge to the table. (For info, end effectors are devices on the end of a robot’s arm, allowing it to interact with the environment and perform useful work.)

Aside from the health and safety benefits, with shortages in the construction workforce it makes sense to develop further use cases for robotics. As MTC chief technologist for the Built Environment, Steve Nesbitt puts it, “We are paving the way for construction companies to adopt technology for greater control and structuring of on-site works, making infrastructure delivery safer, more productive, and more sustainable.”

The technology has wider implications beyond tunnel construction, as once this expertise proves successful in one area it can be rolled out to other projects and sectors. Lead engineer at i3D, Jon Storey, explains: “The use of stereo vision with machine learning and robotics to place bolts precisely on a curved surface is an unprecedented achievement, with potential applications beyond the construction sector, such as nuclear decommissioning and defence.”

This is yet another cutting-edge development, and I see it as positive that our industry continues to benefit from technological advancements. It will be some time before I expect any robots to be joining us in the Super Structures Associates offices – as original thought is not something robots are capable of yet – but I do think that this kind of progress cuts down on unpleasant work for humans and helps to attract bright, forward-thinking talent to our industry, which can only be a good thing.

Meanwhile, if you need assistance with the structural elements of an upcoming project, please do get in touch.

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