Bridge inspection robot detects corrosion in hard-to-reach spots | ETH News

The aim was to develop a robot that could detect corrosion in all areas – including sites inaccessible to people – and at the earliest possible stage. The researchers did not have to search long for a solution: “The students in one of our focus projects developed a robot four years ago that can move not only on the ground, but also along walls and ceilings. This made it ideal for our project,” explains Roland Siegwart, professor at the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Systems and Vice President Research and Corporate Relations at ETH Zurich.

The robot’s movement is based on Vortex technology, where a type of propeller is attached to the underside of the robot. The propeller rotates fast enough for a movable suction cup to stick the robot on to walls and ceilings, where it can then use its wheels to move along these surfaces. The robot is steered via remote control or a computer.

Read more by Anna Maltsev on ETH News.

If you liked this article, you may also enjoy:

• Students hope their ship inspection robot will significantly reduce dry-dock time for maritime transport industry, improve safety for inspectors
• Overhead transmission line inspection robots
• Underwater ROV aids in investigation, searches for victims in South Korean ferry tragedy

Hallie Siegel robotics editor-at-large

Hallie Siegel robotics editor-at-large