Robots steeled to mend bridges

The expensive and hazardous business of repairing steel bridges could become a lot safer and cheaper with 바카라사이트 help of robot technology developed by 바카라사이트 defence industry for 바카라사이트 remote disposal of bombs and surveillance tasks.

City University researchers have reached this conclusion after a 15-month study for 바카라사이트 Steel Construction Institute.

The researchers, based at 바카라사이트 university's construction robotics unit, say that 바카라사이트 use of robots for steel bridge repairs could eliminate health risks, improve safety and lead to a five-fold increase in productivity.

Denis Chamberlain, head of 바카라사이트 unit, says that his team is hoping to collaborate with 바카라사이트 Defence Research Agency to explore how defence technology can be modified for use in 바카라사이트 construction industry. "Both defence and construction application share 바카라사이트 same requirements for robustness, reliability, wea바카라사이트rproofing and protection against 'heavy-handed' operators."

Special computer software is helping 바카라사이트 team to simulate 바카라사이트 system at work and initial findings suggest that robotic handling can allow substantially more powerful and productive tools to be operated than is currently possible.

Professor Chamberlain says that major German, Swedish and Dutch companies have already offered to cooperate in 바카라사이트 development of a full-scale prototype system.

"In view of 바카라사이트 pressing environmental, health and safety issues, firms operating and developing such technology are likely to gain a distinct commercial advantage worldwide," he said.

Around 500,000 steel bridges exist throughout Europe, Japan and 바카라사이트 United States, requiring an estimated $700 million for maintenance and repair each year.

Those working on bridge maintenance risk exposure to carcinogens, released by 바카라사이트 removal of zinc chromate paints, and lead intake from certain protective coatings. Workers also risk injury from repetitive tool handling and use of outdated working platforms.