Vertical thrusting unmanned surface vehicle for stable and close inspection of bridge structure

Abstract

Inspection of the structural health of the bridge column is very important task but near-water surface region is dangerous for structural health monitoring robots due to water tides and spray. The unmanned surface vehicle with vertical thrusting function was developed to attach bridge column regardless of the surface status or material for close inspection and minimizing turbulence or external flow disturbing the positioning. Also, localization of the USV between the bridge columns were simulated.