The robot "Climber" (CCRobot-M) developed by Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS) carried out intelligent inspections over the cables of Cuntan Bridge over the Changjiang River in Chongqing.

The intelligent inspections were reported by Xinhua News Agency, its overseas edition and its overseas social media accounts recently. 

Following its success to the top Guojiatuo Bridge over the Changjiang River, the "Climber" successfully conquered the main cable in the middle of the cable bridge, and ascended to cable Cuntan Bridge Tower. Available public data showed, it is the time for a robot to ascend to the top of a tower along the main cable in the world, filling a gap in the industry. Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), an affiliated institute with The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, pioneered a new research model, in form of collaboration with several world-leading research institutions. 

Modular Design, Efficient Installation, High Versatility, Full Coverage Inspection

The "Climber," which uses the handrail rope in the accessory facilities of a suspension bridge as a carrier, is an equipment designed for visual inspection on the surface of the main cable with two sets of grippers alternately open and close, while crawling forward. After upgrading of several generations, the latest version has significantly improved its performance. The robot is capable of changing tracks, adjusting the space between grippers laterally, and can better adapt to different environments of cable systems of suspension bridges. With biomimetic crawling technology, the two sets of grippers open and close alternately, ensuring that at least two sets of grippers are gripping the handrail rope all the time during an inspection, thus preventing the robot from falling. The entire machine adopts a modular design concept, making the assembly process more efficient, and maintenance and upgrading simpler in later stages.

The robot carries a visual sensor array with a ring-shaped distribution, and incorporates an automatic distance adjustment function. The detection cameras are mounted at the end of the  support arms made of lightweight composite materials. It can automatically adjust its position according to the diameter of the main cable, and captures high-definition images, and realizes a  full inspection covering the main cable.

Visual sensor array with a ring-shaped

During the test, the “Climber" assists in identifying defects such as loose or missing bolts, dents, and reaches the top of the tower in the middle of the span. The ascent to the top of the tower verified the excellent dynamic performance of the "Climber," and its long-distance ascending capability, providing a new gear and a new method for intelligent inspection on the main cables of suspension bridges.

Performing its Respective Duties" - Safeguarding Bridge Safety 

In addition to the Climbers, AIRS’ Center for Special Robots has also developed the CCRobot-C robot for inclined cable inspection. CCRobot-C has excellent speed, high payload capacity, and outstanding obstacle-surmounting capability. It can carry various detection instruments such as vision and leak detection devices for multidimensional inspection, suitable for cables and hangers, with functions like autonomous operation and real-time wireless data transmission. This robot has been successfully deployed in Chongqing, Zhejiang, Hubei, and other provinces.

As a member of the robot group for bridge maintenance of the Center for Special Robots, these two robots work separately on the main cable and hangers, ensuring the safety of urban bridges and working as aids in the construction of a country strong in transportation infrastructures. This also shows AIRS’ active response to the application of "robots +" and its effort of developing typical application scenarios for special robots.

CCRobot-C

The “Climber"

Led by Dr. Ding Ning, executive associate director of the Shenzhen Institute of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics for Society (AIRS), and vice president of the Institute of Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, CUHK,-Shenzhen, the Center for Special Robots focuses on maintenance, management, and emergency response for urban infrastructure such as bridges, tunnels, power lines, and underground pipelines and aims to develop autonomous repair robots that can assist or replace workers in high-risk areas, promoting sustainable development for both human and cities.