Light-weight mobile robot for hydrodynamic treatment of concrete and metal surfaces

Abstract

The paper presents a modular design of a lightweight mobile robot for hydrodynamic treatment of concrete and metal surfaces. The robot is composed of three fully separable modules: an under-carriage with two tracks, an electric cabinet containing power electronics, communication and control, and a robot arm with various water jet tools. Modularity and smaller robot weight allows easy transportation, operation in ordinary construction conditions and maneuvering in very confined spaces. The on-board PLC controls the following robot axes: two robot tracks, a beam, a rotor tool, lance swing and pitch angles, and tool-to-surface distance deviation. Ultrasound sensors mounted on the robot allow automatic adjustment of a tool towards a treated surface. Experimental results obtained in real exploitation conditions (during a bridge repair) have confirmed all advantages of the described robot design.