Reconfigurable manipulator robot designed to inspect pipes in challenging environments

The Interactive and Robotic Systems Lab (IRS) group at the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló has developed a mobile, lightweight, modular and reconfigurable manipulator robot, which includes a remote control station with 3D perception, modular and multi-device 3D simulation software that implements a digital twin for operator training, with the aim of operating in hazardous scenarios for human health, initially in the inspection of plastic pipes by probing and artificial vision.

The new technology, which has been validated on an experimental scale at the UJI’s Centre for Research in Robotics and Underwater Technologies (CIRTESU), is applicable to the inspection of pipes and plastic materials in the surroundings of particle accelerators and nuclear power plants, and can be adapted to support teaching or health care staff in other types of challenging environments, such as infectious ones.

Software enhancements include a Robot Operating System (ROS)-based server and multiple clients that can be expanded to meet specific mission requirements. Hardware enhancements include wireless communications, various vision devices, localization techniques, mobility, low weight and power consumption, an open nature that allows modularity and adaptability, and low production costs.

The new technology, which is the result of the European project “EU H2020 El-Peacetolero” (Embedded Electronic Solutions for Polymer Innovative Scanning Methods using Light-Emitting Devices for Diagnostic Routines), in which the UJI participates along with eight other European universities and research centers, will be adapted to specific applications through specific agreements and subsequent licensing agreements with companies.

The Universitat Jaume I, through the Cooperation and Technological Development Office and the Vice-Rector’s Office for Scientific Transfer, Innovation and Dissemination, facilitates the scientific and technological transfer of its research staff, with the aim of advancing its vocation to transmit and disseminate scientific, technical, social and humanistic knowledge.

The Interactive and Robotic Systems Lab (IRS) group at the Universitat Jaume I of Castelló has developed a mobile, lightweight, modular and reconfigurable manipulator robot, which includes a remote control station with 3D perception, modular and multi-device 3D simulation software that implements a digital twin for operator training, with the aim of operating in hazardous scenarios for human health, initially in the inspection of plastic pipes by probing and artificial vision.

The new technology, which has been validated on an experimental scale at the UJI’s Centre for Research in Robotics and Underwater Technologies (CIRTESU), is applicable to the inspection of pipes and plastic materials in the surroundings of particle accelerators and nuclear power plants, and can be adapted to support teaching or health care staff in other types of challenging environments, such as infectious ones.

Software enhancements include a Robot Operating System (ROS)-based server and multiple clients that can be expanded to meet specific mission requirements. Hardware enhancements include wireless communications, various vision devices, localization techniques, mobility, low weight and power consumption, an open nature that allows modularity and adaptability, and low production costs.

The new technology, which is the result of the European project “EU H2020 El-Peacetolero” (Embedded Electronic Solutions for Polymer Innovative Scanning Methods using Light-Emitting Devices for Diagnostic Routines), in which the UJI participates along with eight other European universities and research centers, will be adapted to specific applications through specific agreements and subsequent licensing agreements with companies.

The Universitat Jaume I, through the Cooperation and Technological Development Office and the Vice-Rector’s Office for Scientific Transfer, Innovation and Dissemination, facilitates the scientific and technological transfer of its research staff, with the aim of advancing its vocation to transmit and disseminate scientific, technical, social and humanistic knowledge.