Kees Pulles
Papers
2
Total Citations
135
H-Index
2
About
Kees Pulles is a leading figure in the field of robotic in-pipe inspection, specializing in the design of miniature, highly maneuverable vehicles for confined spaces. His major contributions center on solving the fundamental mechanical challenges of navigating complex pipe networks, particularly those with very small diameters. Pulles’s most influential work, the 2011 paper on a robot for small diameter gas mains (86 citations), details the design of a machine capable of traversing pipes as narrow as 41 mm, while negotiating sharp bends, T-joints, and steep inclines—a feat requiring strict design constraints. He further advanced the field with his 2014 paper (49 citations), which introduced a novel propulsion mechanism using omnidirectional wheels combined with active stabilization. This innovation allows for direct, precise control of the robot’s orientation within the pipe, overcoming a key limitation of previous designs. Through these achievements, Pulles has established foundational principles for robust, agile inspection robots, directly impacting the maintenance of critical urban infrastructure.
Research Focus
Key Achievements
Top Papers
- 1Development of an inspection robot for small diameter gas distribution mains86 citations · 2011
- 2