RobétArmé Project: Our IRR robot tested in the Alps!
After exactly 42 months of carefully creating the Inspection Reconnaissance manipulator (IRR), the project partners gathered in the Alps to test it in real working conditions. The IRR is a complex system which consists of an autonomous rover and a laser welding robot/manipulator mounted on a trailer.
Our DS4 team, along with our partners from Bouygues Construction and the robot developers, watched intensely against the cold wind as the IRR rover was launched. Using its specially designed grippy tires, it rolled into the muddy tunnel. The rover confidently moved forward into the tunnel, scanning the environment with its camera and detecting defective rebars. The rebars are an essential framework to allow the spraying of shotcrete, ultimately allowing the building and repairing of crucial tunnel infrastructure.
We and the current end-users from Bouygues Construction, watched on amazed as an image of the rebars and surrounding environment appeared on the laptop. The 3D image highlighted the defects in the rebars. The rover then picked up the IRR manipulator (see pictures below) and towed it to the exact right spot. Sparks flew as the software instructed the manipulator to weld (fix) the defective metal rebars.
The end-users walked forwards tentatively towards the robot, minding their step. They examined the rebar carefully, tilting their head to see all angles. Then they looked back at us with a smile and nodding faces.
Our IRR robot, at its first ever real working environment testing, had performed an excellent repair.
As we interviewed the end-users afterwards, we enjoyed gathering valuable information for our evaluation analysis of this complex system. Next week we are eagerly waiting the testing of the Shotcrete and Finishing mobile manipulator (SFR); this is further addressing the unhealthy harmful conditions of the shotcreting process in harsh environment.
We would like to thank Bouygues Construction for their professionalism during the preparation and running of the tests. In addition to handling complex logistics and safety issues, they also took into consideration the project gender equality plan ensuring female partners felt comfortable during this thrilling experience.
To further immerse you into our human-robot collaborative work in the Alpine construction setting, we are providing the images below.
