Tumbler Inspection Ball (TIB) Robot for Sewage Tunnel Inspection
Overview
The Tumbler Inspection Ball (TIB) Robot is an innovative solution for inspecting underground pipes and tunnels. By analyzing the collected high-definition videos and precise positioning data, it can identify the defects of pipes and tunnels, supporting maintenance efforts.
Commercialisation opportunities
- Technology licensing agreement- Customised R&D collaboration
Problem addressed
This ball-shaped robot overcomes the challenges associated with inspecting confined space and remains stable in turbulent water, avoiding capsizing issues and eliminating the need for additional power sources. It captures stable and clear 360-degree high-definition videos, while its inertial measurement system provides precise positioning data.
Innovation
- Tumbler-inspired Design: Leveraging the mechanics of a tumbler to maintain stability even in turbulent water conditions
Key impact
- Multi-Sensor Integration: Ensuring stable and accurate data collection and processing through cutting-edge sensor technologies
- AI-powered Defect Detection: Utilizing AI algorithms to analyze data, enabling the automatic detection of defects
Award
- Gold medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva
- Gold medal at the Asia Exhibition of Innovations and Inventions Hong Kong
Application
- Inspection of sewage drainage tunnels and decked rainwater ditches
- Stability assessment of nullahs and waterside embankments
- Survey of river ecosystems and hydrological conditions
Hong Kong Centre for Logistics Robotics was established in 2020 by The Chinese University of Hong Kong, with research contributions from the University of California, Berkeley. The Centre focuses on the research and development (R&D) of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for “future workplace” as well as innovative solutions to the “pressing problems” in the logistics industry. In particular, HKCLR aims to advance robot intelligence in terms of
• Robust Sensing and Perception
• AI-Powered Robot Manipulation
• Human-Robot Collaboration
• Unmanned Logistics Vehicles
The research team is composed of distinguished professors from the two universities and accomplished Ph.D. degree holders across world-leading universities. The Centre is dedicated to pursuing innovative breakthroughs in ready-for-use robotics and AI technologies via close collaboration with academic and industrial stakeholders throughout Hong Kong, the Greater Bay Area (GBA), and Chinese Mainland. It is expected that the Centre will foster the leading role of the local logistics industry in GBA and Chinese Mainland, meanwhile enhancing its competitive edge in the global arena.
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