A consortium involving Costain and the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) has developed a prototype robot to make tunnel infrastructure installation more efficient and safer.
The 22-month project, partly funded by Innovate UK’s Smart grant, was led by Tunnel Engineering Services, which developed the initial robot concept in partnership with the other consortium members. The MTC spearheaded the design and manufacture of the robot’s end effectors. i3D robotics (i3D), developed the visualisation software for precise navigation. Costain and M&E specialist VVB Engineering provided tunnelling and fitout requirements expertise.
Traditionally, installing these services in tunnels is hazardous, labour-intensive and time-consuming. The prototype automated tunnel robotic installation system (ATRIS) can autonomously select brackets, locate where they need to be mounted along a tunnel wall, and install them. In doing so, the robot can improve onsite health and safety by reducing the risks associated with manual labour at the tunnel workface, for example, working at height in confined spaces, and hand-arm vibration experienced by workers during installation.
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