Robotic Technology for Pipeline Construction on Earth & in Space

Abstract

The labor-intensive construction industry has a very high accident rate. One of the key reasons for this is the exposure of workers to a hazardous environment such as heights, confined narrow spaces, and exposure to health threatening fumes, dust, and noise. The installation of utilities underground was necessitated by the emergence of centers of population, such as cities and villages. On one hand, water had to be brought to the centers from afar and on the other hand, wastewater had to be removed in order to avoid diseases. It can be expected that similar pipelines will be found most effective when constructing habitats on the surface of extraterrestrial bodies. Due to the problems from working in for an extended period in space, the construction and installation of those lines will most likely require a robotic approach. This paper will review construction technologies that have been developed over time before discussing a tele-robotic approach that eliminates the need for laborers to enter and work in tight subsurface space. The two remotely controlled manipulators allow the installation of concrete pipes with up to 1.65 m (5 ft.) in diameter and smaller plastic pipes.