Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid (UC3M) are leading the implementation of a new kind of autonomous underground robot with intelligent navigation for urban environments. The system, developed within the framework of the European research project BADGER, aims to become a model for excavation technologies because of its high economic and social impact.
Participating in the project, which is coordinated by the UC3M Robotics Lab, are researchers from Germany, Greece, Italy and the United Kingdom. Its goal is to develop an intelligent system for the autonomous excavation of small diameter, high gradient tunnels in urban environments. “The use of innovative localization, mapping and navigation techniques, along with sensors and georadars, will allow them to be adapted to different land surfaces and aid in the analysis of the work environment and decision making in attaining the goals,” stated project coordinator, Carlos Balaguer, full professor in the UC3M Department of Systems Engineering and Automation.
BADGER (roBot for Autonomous unDerGround trenchless opERations, mapping and navigation) is a project that incorporates several innovations. The main one is this new application of robotics to an underground environment. Until now, robotics was a field focused especially on walking or rolling surface robots and flying or underwater robots. Autonomous navigation, meanwhile, is another of the project’s strong points, as all the sensors, georadars and computers will be integrated in the machine, which enables them to make a much more precise and controlled exploration of the land. Lastly, the use of ultrasound techniques to perforate the ground, accompanied by a 3D printer on the robot itself to reinforce the tunnel where the cables and tubes lie, also plays an essential role.
Sustainability in cities and support for rescue efforts
According to the researchers, BADGER is a distinctly ecological robot because it enables sustainable transformation of very congested environments such as modern cities. Thus, it will have an intelligent system that allows installations such as wiring or scoring to be built without trenches or the rerouting of traffic. “Given that the whole process will take place underground, noise pollution and contamination will be reduced,” said the researchers.
The implementation of these advanced robotics technologies, with cognitive and control abilities, has multiple applications. “It will notably increase European competitiveness in search and rescue operations (landslides), mining activities, applications with civilian use like water pipes, gas and fiber optics, exploration techniques, mapping, etc.,” Balaguer pointed out.
Learn more: Intelligent underground robot for urban environments is designed
The Latest on: Autonomous underground excavation robot
[google_news title=”” keyword=”autonomous underground excavation robot” num_posts=”10″ blurb_length=”0″ show_thumb=”left”]- Autonomous Excavator Builds Stone Retaining Wall (Video)on April 29, 2024 at 9:00 am
The 12-ton Menzi Muck M545 excavator scanned, picked, placed materials for 215-foot-long wall, while a human assisted with driving between operations.
- Astribot S1 AI Humanoid robot unveiled demonstrating its agility, dexterity and accuracyon April 27, 2024 at 12:55 am
This week the Astribot S1 humanoid robot was unveiled in Shenzhen, China, marking another significant leap forward in autonomous robotics ...
- First major construction tender for Changi Airport T5 launched in March: Chee Hong Taton April 25, 2024 at 6:48 am
The tender covers the building’s substructure, comprising T5's foundation and basement works. Read more at straitstimes.com.
- AI technologies, tools help Chinese archaeologists restore cultural relics, secure deals in antique trading marketon April 23, 2024 at 6:20 am
In recent years, AI (artificial intelligence) has frequently made headlines around the world as a hot topic of discussion. The emergence of generative AI programs has also created unemployment anxiety ...
- Amid Water Crisis, Mexico City’s Metro System Is Sinking Unevenlyon April 23, 2024 at 12:21 am
Propelled by the draining of local aquifers, the city's land is sinking. New research surveys the impact on subways.
- "Globes'" ten most promising startup of 2024on April 21, 2024 at 5:32 am
The "Globes" list of the most promising startups in Israel is based upon the choices of 66 leading local and foreign investment firms that are involved in the Israeli technology sector. We tried to ...
- ASTRI's Wins 23 Awards Geneva Inventions Expoon April 20, 2024 at 1:31 am
The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) has won 23 accolades at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva, including 1 "Gold Medal with Congratulations of ...
- Tesla Is Still Overvalued, Don't Bet On Its Robotaxion April 19, 2024 at 11:15 am
Tesla, Inc.'s overvaluation persists as it plans a robotaxi rollout amid intensifying competition affecting the valuation gap. Click for my TSLA update.
- AI, robotics play important role in demolition sectoron April 18, 2024 at 3:01 pm
Demolition robots are a relatively new form of professional service robot used in the demolition sector to demolish buildings at the end of their life cycle. These mobile robots leverage a range of ...
- Brick by brick, this autonomous robot is transforming constructionon February 22, 2024 at 2:00 am
Autonomous robots are now skilled bricklayers. In an industry-first, Dutch startup Monumental has created innovative construction robots by using AI, autonomous tech, and low-cost hardware. In 2023, ...
via Google News and Bing News