A new climbing robot is conducting inspections across the 7.2kms network of tunnels in the Sydney Harbour Bridge deemed too dangerous for human workers . Developed over five years by the University of Technology Sydney and NSW Roads and Maritime Services , the robot has magnetic feet , can crawl through tiny tunnels and confined spaces , and unlike a human inspector , is not at risk of asphyxiation . Engineers interpret real - time information that is sent back from the robot . The next phase of the project , ready in three years , is to develop a robot that can vaporize rust using laser beams and re - paint the section at the same time . This " world - first " development could have important application overseas , including use in transmission towers , ship ##building and nuclear reactors .
A new climbing robot is conducting inspections across the 7.2kms network of tunnels in the Sydney Harbour Bridge deemed too dangerous for human workers. Developed over five years by the University of Technology Sydney and NSW Roads and Maritime Services, the robot has magnetic feet, can crawl through tiny openings and confined spaces, and unlike a human inspector, is not at risk of asphyxiation. Engineers interpret real-time information that is sent back from the robot. The next stage of the project, ready in three years, is to develop a robot that can vaporize rust using laser beams and re-paint the section at the same time. This "world-first" development could have important application overseas, including use in transmission towers, ship hulls and nuclear reactors.