BIKE inspection platform

APPLICATIONS

DESCRIPTION

One of the main advantages of mobile robots is their ability to reach locations inaccessible by human because of size constraints, temperature, immersion in liquids or safety reasons. Certified and experienced engineers today enter confined spaces and “look” at the predefined locations to take pictures for reporting. This is the state of the art procedure. Beside very expensive organizational issues such as watchmen and ventilation, this procedure is very dangerous for the experts. New robotic and sensor technology can provide solutions to reduce costs and risk of such procedures.

In this framework, the BIKE inspection robot has been developed. The BIKE platform is a magnetic wheeled robot capable of inspecting power plant facilities and multiple applications in the oil and gas industry, such as vessel or pipe inspection.

The innovative locomotion concept allows climbing obstacles such as stairs and 90 degree corners (convex and concave). With integrated navigation cameras and 3-dimensional position sensors the operator gets precise information about the robots position even in complex environments. Multiple additional modules, such as Ultrasonic probes or borescope holders are available to extend the function of the robot and open new ways for inspection without human entry in confined space.

Features:

• The BIKE platform is a lightweight (10 kg) ultra-mobile robotic platform
• Can be deployed through a 10″ manway
• Capable of passing conves and concave corners of up to 90 degrees (steps, obstacles, flanges, etc.)
• Fully remote controlled and equipped with navigation aids (front and rear view cameras and 3D pose view)
• Payload of 10 kg, can be equipped with NDT sensors (Ultrasonic, Phased Array, Eddy Current) and/or Pan-Tilt inspection camera of video borescope.

BROCHURES