By Lynda Myer
Comprising of Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), i3D robotics (i3D), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Costain, and VVB Engineering, a consortium of mechanical and civil engineering, and robotic automation industry leaders has produced the prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation System (ATRIS) which can autonomously select brackets, locate where they need to be mounted along a tunnel wall, and install them.
According to the companies: “The development could revolutionize tunnel services installation. The automated solution can improve on-site health and safety by reducing the risks associated with manual labor at the tunnel work face, for example, working at height in confined spaces, and hand-arm vibration experienced by workers during installation.”
The current work field of this prototype is a 4m diameter tunnel, whereas the planned increase in productivity for this ATRIS following fully-developed is 40%, as the installation costs for new mechanical and electrical systems will decrease by 30%, and cut construction plant movements by 40%, which is due to reduce embodied carbon.
The leading responsibility of this 22-month project, which is partly funded by Innovate UK’s Smart grant, is up to TES, which developed the initial concept in partnership with the consortium. Using its expertise in robotics and automation, MTC spearheaded the design and manufacture of the robot’s end effectors. i3D developed visualization software for precise navigation, while Costain and VVB provided industry knowledge and expertise in tunneling and fit-out requirements.
TES design and project manager Alan Worsley said: “The need for automation in traditionally manual M&E fit-out techniques had led the company to develop ATRIS and make it commercially viable. We believe the system can offer a safer, more cost-effective and sustainable solution for future infrastructure projects.”
“Labor challenges over the past few years had driven greater interest in using robots, beyond manufacturing and logistics. By contributing our expertise to this project, we are paving the way for construction companies to adopt technology for greater control and structuring of on-site works, making infrastructure delivery safer, more productive, and more sustainable,” said MTC chief technologist for the built environment Steve Nesbitt.
As i3D lead engineer Dr. Jon Storey stated: “ATRIS moved the industry closer to the goal of automating tunnel infrastructure installation. The use of stereo vision with machine learning and robotics to place bolts precisely on a curved surface is an unprecedented achievement, with potential applications beyond the construction sector, such as nuclear decommissioning and defense.”
Emphasizing on the benefits of the inovation for clients, Lee Bateson, mechanical and engineering manager and robotics lead at Costain said: “Teaching the robots to learn seemingly simple tasks – such as how to avoid cross-threading the screws that go into the sockets – has been hugely fulfilling. Whether it’s carbon reduction, increasing productivity or improving workforce health and safety, this is transformative technology that will have enormous benefits for the customers that we build tunnels for.”
Nicholas Beedle, group operations director at VVB Engineering, emphasized the cost and safety benefits: “Tunnel works historically are expensive to build and maintain, and in the higher risk bracket for safety during construction and operation. The development of the robotic AI solution is a step towards solving both of these industry challenges.”
