A new climbing robot is conducting inspections across the three years network of tunnels in the Sydney Harbour Bridge deemed too dangerous for human workers. Developed over three years by the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney , the robot has magnetic feet, can crawl through tiny openings and confined spaces, and unlike a human inspector, is not at risk of asphyxiation. Bridge inspector Laurent Matkovic said the process made things safer for the workers. Engineers interpret real-time information that is sent back from the robot. The next stage of the project, ready in five 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.
A new climbing robot is conducting inspections across the three years network of tunnels in the Sydney Harbour Bridge deemed too dangerous for human workers. Developed over three years by the University of Technology Sydney and the University of Technology Sydney , 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 five 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.