Current technologies used to inspect piping systems in aerospace launch facilities, nuclear power plants and several other industries are inadequate; new technolgies could provide more accurate, comprehensive, and timely inspection results, and in hazardous environments, reduce exposure of human workers. RedZone Robotics, Inc. proposes to develop a generalized locomotor platform for piping inspection and repair. The locomotor platform will be able to work in varying diameter piping, will have the ability to traverse internal obstructions, will locomote in both horizontal and vertical piping runs, will be able to negotiate ninety degree bends in the piping, will have a generic payload plate for carrying various inspection endeffectors, and will have the capability to position itself repeatably from its starting location. The benefits of this device are reduced inspection time, reduced work exposure in hazardous environments, lower inspection costs (as compared to manual inspections), higher quality and consistency of inspections, and the capability to explore localized repair processes.
Potential Commercial Applications:Pipe inspection needs in the aerospace, nuclear power, chemical, petroleum and other industries strongly motivate development of remote inspection capabilities that are not met by current technology. Significant benfits and economic motivations are apparent in these industries that indicate and immediate and sustained demand for this technology.
