Agile Robotic Inspection for Steel Structures – Revolutionizing Structural Maintenance

What is the project about?

Our project focuses on developing an agile robotic system for inspecting steel structures such as bridges, towers, and industrial frameworks. This system is designed to navigate complex environments with high mobility and precision, ensuring a comprehensive and efficient assessment of structural integrity. By integrating advanced sensors, intelligent control systems, and automation, this robotic solution enhances safety, reduces maintenance costs, and provides real-time, high-resolution data for structural analysis.

Why was this project created?

Traditional structural inspection methods are often dangerous, time-consuming, and expensive, requiring human inspectors to work at significant heights or in confined spaces. Current approaches rely on manual assessment, which can be inconsistent and prone to human error.

To address these challenges, we developed a multi-sensor robotic inspection system capable of autonomously maneuvering on steel structures, gathering precise ultrasonic, LiDAR, and visual data for defect analysis. This innovation ensures:

1. Safer operations – Reducing human exposure to hazardous environments.
2. Higher efficiency – Completing inspections faster with autonomous navigation.
3. Cost-effectiveness – Eliminating the need for scaffolding and extensive manual labor.

How does it work?

The robotic system operates with a bicycle-like mobility mechanism, leveraging magnetic adhesion, precision control algorithms, and AI-driven analytics to detect and analyze structural defects. Key features include:

1. Custom PCBs for seamless integration of servo motors, ultrasonic thickness sensors, LiDARs, and other peripherals.
2. Autonomous path planning and AI-powered defect detection for real-time decision-making.
3. Multi-sensor fusion, enabling detailed 3D mapping and structural health analysis.

How Support Can Help Us Innovate Further

To build an even more robust and efficient robotic inspection system, we require high-quality PCBs, CNC-machined parts, and precision sheet metal components for assembling custom electronic modules and mechanical structures.

With support from PCBWay, we can:

• Develop specialized PCBs to optimize sensor integration and signal processing.
• Leverage CNC machining and sheet metal fabrication for precision-engineered components.
• Enhance the durability and efficiency of our robotic system, ensuring long-term reliability in demanding environments.

PCBWay’s contribution would enable us to push the boundaries of robotic inspection technology while also inspiring the next generation of robotics enthusiasts. We are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with PCBWay and achieve our goals through their expertise in PCB manufacturing, CNC machining, and custom fabrication.

Links: (ARA Lab) https://ara.cse.unr.edu/?page_id=28