Robot fuselage with thermal management

Abstract

A robot torso (100), in particular for a legged robot, comprising a housing wall (1) having an inner surface and an outer surface and at least one unit integrated in the housing wall (1). The at least one unit is selected from the list consisting of a cooling unit (200) for cooling a heat source (11) in the torso (100), a sensor unit (300) or a face sensor unit (400). The at least one unit comprises a heat source arranged inside the torso (100) and thermally coupled to the housing wall (1) and a heat sink arranged outside the torso (100) and thermally coupled to the housing wall (1) for cooling the heat source. The housing wall (1) essentially hermetically seals the torso (100).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] In a first aspect, the invention relates to a robot torso, in particular for legged robots, and in a second aspect to a robot comprising the torso. [Background technology]

[0002] Autonomous robots are used to replace humans in a variety of tasks, especially in dangerous environments, such as on oil platforms where there is a high risk of explosion.

[0003] Oil and gas facilities require continuous monitoring and frequent inspections to enable high availability and safety. Autonomous legged robots can be used to perform automated routines to inspect such facilities. During such inspections, the robot, especially the robot torso, may be exposed to environmental conditions such as heat and water that are unfavorable to the sensitive electronic components and sensors attached to the robot. In particular, as sensors are attached to the robot to monitor the environment, the connectors of these sensors are affected by the environmental conditions and may break down after just a few uses. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Therefore, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a robot body for a robot used in harsh environments.

[0005] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims according to a first aspect of the present invention.

[0006] Unless otherwise stated, the following definitions shall apply herein. As used in the context of the present invention, the terms "a," "an," "the," and similar terms should be construed to encompass both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. Furthermore, the terms "including," "containing," and "comprising" are used herein in their open, non-limiting sense. The term "containing" is intended to encompass both "comprising" and "consisting of."

[0007] Preferably, the term "robot torso" or "torso" refers to the main body of a robot with logic components for controlling the robot, and one or more limbs attached to the torso. In particular, the torso may comprise multiple limbs, for example for a legged or quadruped robot.

[0008] A first aspect of the present invention relates to a robot body, in particular a robot body for a legged robot, comprising a housing wall having an inner surface and an outer surface, the housing wall providing a hermetic seal, in particular an essentially hermetic seal, of the body.

[0009] A hermetic seal is any type of seal that makes the body airtight. Air, oxygen, or other gases cannot flow into or out of the body. In particular, water cannot enter the body.

[0010] The hermetic seal allows the robot to withstand extreme weather conditions and ensures correct and safe functionality of the electronics inside the fuselage. The gas pressure inside the fuselage may be different from the gas pressure outside the fuselage.

[0011] In particular, the essentially hermetic seal refers to a body with a membrane interface, particularly as described below.

[0012] At least one unit is integrated, in particular firmly integrated, into the housing wall. The at least one unit is selected from the list consisting of: - a cooling unit for cooling the heat source inside the fuselage; -sensor unit, -Facial sensor unit, -Camera unit.

[0013] The integration of a unit within a housing wall has a wide range of meanings. For example, a cooling unit may be integrated into the housing wall so that heat is transferred between different components of the cooling unit through the housing wall. In the case of a sensor unit, the housing wall may be used to thermally isolate the sensor element from the heat dissipated by the sensor electronics.

[0014] In particular, the integration of the units within the housing unit means that the individual units can be mounted in openings in the wall of the fuselage, with part of the unit itself acting as the housing wall. In particular, when such units are integrated and part of the unit itself acts as the housing wall, there is a sealed connection between the part of the unit that acts as the housing wall and the wall of the fuselage.

[0015] More specifically, this unit may be integrated into a housing wall which at the same time functions as a fuselage wall.

[0016] At least one unit includes a heat source disposed inside the fuselage, the heat source thermally coupled to the housing wall, and at least one unit further includes a heat sink disposed outside the fuselage, the heat sink thermally coupled to the housing wall for cooling the heat source.

[0017] Preferably, the heat sink comprises metal cooling ribs.

[0018] Because the robot torso is hermetically sealed, thermal energy cannot be easily released into the environment. In contrast, an open torso allows ventilation and allows dissipated electrical energy to be released directly into the environment by convection.

[0019] Therefore, further measures are required to stabilize the thermal conditions within the sealed fuselage. Efficient heat transfer from the heat source inside the fuselage to the housing wall, and further heat transfer from the housing wall to the environment, provides a solution for dissipating heat from the sealed fuselage.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the housing walls enclose a circuit board of the robot. At least one unit is connected to the circuit board via a connector. Furthermore, the units, if there is more than one unit, can be interconnected via at least one connector.

[0021] In a further preferred embodiment, the robot fuselage comprises an inspection payload interface unit adapted for coupling an inspection payload to the fuselage, such inspection payload being equipped with visual and thermal cameras and in particular a spotlight on a pan-tilt unit for a wide range of industrial inspection tasks.

[0022] The robot body is an electrical interface unit adapted to couple with the electronic connectors of the actuators of the robotic limb; a mechanical interface unit adapted to attach the limb to the robot; a battery interface unit for connecting the robot torso to a battery, in particular arranged outside the torso; a docking interface unit for docking the robot body to a docking station to charge the battery; Further provided with:

[0023] All interfaces between the fuselage and the electrical unit, mechanical unit, and any further units such as the battery unit, payload interface unit, or docking interface unit are sealed to prevent liquids and dirt from entering the fuselage through these interfaces.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cooling device for the robot torso includes a heat spreader, particularly a copper plate, disposed inside the robot torso and thermally coupled to a heat source, particularly a central processing unit. The heat spreader distributes the thermal energy dissipated from the heat source over a larger surface area within the robot torso, enabling improved and more effective heat transfer through the housing wall. Additionally, a heat sink thermally coupled to the outer surface of the housing wall can be disposed outside the robot torso. The heat sink transfers heat to the environment by forced or natural convection.

[0025] In particular, the cooling unit comprises a thermally conductive and electrically insulating sheet that is thermally coupled to the heat spreader and the inner surface of the body housing wall.

[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, a heat exchanger is arranged in thermal connection with the heat sink for actively cooling the heat sink.

[0027] In particular, the heat sink includes metallic cooling ribs, and the heat exchanger is adapted to force airflow past the cooling ribs for cooling.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, the heat sink is covered with an air duct equipped with a fan to generate airflow over the heat sink. The heat sink is forced convection cooled by the fan. Alternatively, the heat sink is thermally connected to a heat exchanger.

[0029] Preferably, the cooling unit comprises a thermally conductive layer adapted to thermally connect the heat spreader and the heat source.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor unit includes sensor electronics disposed within the robot fuselage. The sensor electronics are thermally coupled to the inner surface of the housing wall. An array of cooling ribs is disposed on the exterior of the robot fuselage. The cooling ribs are thermally coupled to the outer surface of the housing wall and distribute thermal energy over a large surface area, thereby improving heat transfer from the fuselage interior to the environment. The sensor elements are disposed on the exterior of the robot fuselage. Connectors for connecting the sensor elements to the sensor electronics pass through a cable tunnel that penetrates a bulk portion of the cooling ribs and extends through the housing wall.

[0031] Preferably, the robot fuselage may comprise an alignment element for aligning the sensor element with the cable tunnel, the alignment element comprising at least one first mechanism that positively locks onto a mechanism of the array of cooling ribs and / or at least one second mechanism that positively locks onto a mechanism of the sensor element.

[0032] In a further preferred embodiment, the face sensor unit comprises sensor electronics disposed inside the robot torso, the sensor electronics being thermally coupled to the inner surface of the housing wall. A sensor element is disposed inside the robot torso and electrically connected to the sensor electronics. In particular, the sensor element detects signals from the outside through a window in the housing wall. An array of cooling ribs is disposed on the exterior of the robot torso. The cooling ribs are thermally coupled to the outer surface of the housing wall and distribute thermal energy over a large surface, thereby improving heat transfer from the interior of the torso to the environment. The cooling ribs are adapted to cool the sensor electronics through the housing wall by conducting away heat.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the face sensor unit, the sensor electronics are located between the sensor element and the cooling ribs. In such an embodiment, the face sensor unit may be located in a very narrow portion of the housing, and the housing interior surface can be in thermal contact with the sensor electronics on both sides of the electronics.

[0034] Preferably, the robot body comprises a sensor protector, in particular having a window, in particular a glass window, surrounding the sensor elements of the sensor unit and / or the face sensor unit, respectively.

[0035] The term "surrounding" in this specification particularly refers to a protector that at least partially surrounds the sensor element from one side, and in particular does not refer to a complete surrounding of the sensor element.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the sensor protector protects the sensor element of the sensor unit. In such a configuration, the interface between the sensor protector and the exterior of the housing wall of the fuselage can be hermetically sealed. In particular, the same gas conditions exist inside the sensor protector and the interior of the robot fuselage because the two are connected by a cable tunnel that passes through the bulk of the cooling rib of the sensor unit. In a further preferred embodiment, the sensor protector protects the sensor element of the face unit sensor. In such an arrangement, the sensor element of the face sensor unit is disposed within the fuselage inside the housing wall, so the sensor protector forms part of the housing wall. In particular, in such an arrangement, the same gas conditions exist inside the sensor protector and the interior of the robot fuselage because the sensor protector forms part of the housing wall.

[0037] Preferably, the sensor protector is adapted to allow the sensor element to receive signals from the outside. In particular, the sensor protector has a window as described above. Even if the sensor protector forms part of a housing wall for the face sensor unit, the sensor protector can be provided with a window through which the sensor unit can receive light signals from the environment.

[0038] In particular, the sensor element comprises at least one optical sensor, in particular a wide-angle camera, a stereo camera and / or an infrared camera, in particular a wide-angle camera and a stereo camera. The stereo camera can be used to obtain depth information.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the present invention, the robot body may comprise a facial structure, which comprises a camera unit and at least one facial sensor unit, and in particular, a second facial sensor unit may be included, and the camera is oriented in a specific first direction for detecting a signal, in particular, a direction perpendicular to the window surface or in the direction in which the robot is moving.

[0040] Preferably, the camera unit is located adjacent to the at least one face sensor unit.

[0041] More preferably, the at least one face sensor unit is arranged adjacent to the second face sensor unit.

[0042] At least one face sensor unit includes a sensor element that is oriented in a second particular direction to sense a signal.

[0043] In particular, if a second face sensor unit is present, a second sensor element of the second face sensor unit is oriented in a third particular direction to detect the signal.

[0044] Preferably, the specific first, second and, if present, third directions are aligned in a plane. In particular, when the specific first, second and, if present, third directions are aligned in a plane, the angle between the specific directions is α≧10°, in particular α≧20°.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the camera unit, the at least one face sensor unit, and the second face sensor unit, if present in such a facial structure, are arranged rigidly relative to one another, which has the advantage that the camera unit, the at least one face sensor unit, and the second face sensor unit, if present, monitor a defined area or region that is defined by the orientation of the individual units relative to one another and that is larger than the area or region that could be monitored by just one of the units.

[0046] Possible temperature changes in the environment can lead to moisture buildup within the body, therefore in a further preferred embodiment of the invention a part of the housing wall comprises a semi-permeable membrane, in particular a water vapour permeable membrane.

[0047] Such a membrane repels liquid water while allowing water vapor to pass through. Preferably, a membrane made of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) can be used.

[0048] Preferably, the housing walls comprise aluminum for electromagnetically shielding electronic components located within the fuselage.

[0049] The second aspect particularly relates to an autonomous legged robot comprising a body according to the first aspect. In particular, the robot has four legs and walks autonomously.

[0050] The invention will be better understood, and further objects thereof will become apparent, from the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0051] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a robot body with several units assembled in a housing, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is an exploded view of a cooling unit of the robot body of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] 2 is an exploded view of a sensor unit of the robot body of FIG. 1, according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 3a] FIG. 4 is a view showing the sensor unit of FIG. 3 before disassembly. [Figure 3b] 4A to 4C are various cross-sectional views of the sensor unit of FIG. 3. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the facial structure of the robot torso of FIG. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5a] 5 is a perspective view of the face sensor structure in FIG. 4 as seen from the front side. [Figure 5b]5 is a perspective view of the face sensor structure in FIG. 4 as seen from the back side. [Figure 5c] 1 shows a cross section of the facial structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0052] 1 shows a robot body 100. The robot body 100 comprises a housing wall 1 having an inner surface and an outer surface. The housing wall 1 hermetically seals the interior of the robot body 100 and may preferably comprise aluminum for electromagnetically shielding electronic components disposed within the body 100.

[0053] The robot body 100 includes a cooling unit 200, a sensor unit 300 disposed on the side of the robot body 100, and a face sensor unit 400 disposed on the front of the robot body 100. All of these units are integrated into the housing wall 1 of the robot body 100.

[0054] Furthermore, the robot fuselage 100 is equipped with an interface. An inspection payload interface unit 500 is arranged on the top of the robot fuselage 100. An inspection payload (not shown) can be coupled to it. The inspection payload has a visual camera, a thermal camera, and a spotlight mounted on a pan-tilt unit. These devices are used to perform inspection work. Technical defects in the equipment to be inspected can be detected autonomously by the robot with the payload interface. The inspection payload interface is sealed so that gases or liquids cannot enter or exit the fuselage through the interface.

[0055] An electrical interface unit 600 and a mechanical interface unit 700 are located on the sides of the robot body 100. Limbs (not shown) can be attached to the robot body 100 via the mechanical interface unit 700.

[0056] These limbs contain actuators for moving and bending the limbs. The actuators are electrically connected to the robot body 100 via an electrical interface unit 600 and connectors attached to the limbs. The connectors transfer electrical energy to drive the actuators and connect the actuators to the robot's controller. The electrical interface unit 600 and mechanical interface unit 700 are sealed to prevent gases or liquids from entering or leaving the body.

[0057] Additionally, a battery can be mounted externally to the robot body 100 in a battery interface unit 800. A docking interface unit 900 is located at the bottom of the robot body 100. The battery interface unit 800 is sealed to prevent gases or liquids from entering or leaving the body.

[0058] The interfaces with the electrical unit 600, mechanical unit 700 and any further units such as the battery unit, payload interface unit or docking interface unit are all sealed to prevent liquids or dirt from entering the fuselage through these interfaces.

[0059] The robot body 100 includes an antenna 1011 on the front and a user interface 102 on the rear. Additionally, the robot may include semi-permeable membranes 101 on the front and rear of the body. In particular, the membranes 101 are water vapor permeable.

[0060] In particular, a robot according to the second aspect of the invention comprises a body as shown in FIG. 1, which comprises at least one leg.

[0061] An exploded view of the cooling unit 200 is shown in Figure 2. The housing wall 1 of the robot body 100 is also visible in Figure 2. All components shown below the housing wall 1 in Figure 2 are located inside the robot body 100, and all components shown above the housing wall 1 in Figure 2 are located outside the robot body 100. It should be noted that the cooling unit 200 comprises components inside the robot body 100 and components outside the robot body 100. In other words, the cooling unit 200 is integrated into the housing wall 1.

[0062] In particular, such integration is possible by mounting a unit including a portion of the housing 1 in an opening in the fuselage 100, as shown in FIG. 2, with all mounting interfaces being sealed.

[0063] The cooling unit 200 transfers heat from the interior of the body 100 through the housing wall 1 to the exterior of the body 200. This is necessary because heat dissipated inside the robot body 100 cannot be transferred out of the hermetically sealed robot body by convection. If air could circulate between the interior and exterior of the robot body 100, the interior of the robot body 100 would not be hermetically sealed.

[0064] Heat is dissipated from the CPU on the main circuit board or motherboard 11 inside the robot body 100. The CPU is the heat source. The dissipated heat is transferred directly from the CPU to the heat spreader 21 via the thermally conductive layer 24. The heat spreader 21 is a copper plate. Copper has high thermal conductivity. The heat spreader 21 distributes the heat over a large surface so that the large transfer area of ​​the housing wall 1 can be used to transfer heat from the inside to the outside of the body. The heat spreader 21 is connected to the inner surface of the housing wall 1 via a fixing plate 25.

[0065] The housing wall 1 conducts heat to a heat sink 23, which comprises a number of ribs arranged inside an air duct 230. These ribs have a large surface area that improves heat transfer to the environment. The air duct 230 is ventilated by a fan 231, which generates an air flow over the heat sink that is configured to force convective cooling of the heat sink.

[0066] 3 shows an exploded view of the sensor unit 300. The sensor unit comprises sensor electronics 31 located behind the housing wall 1, i.e., inside the robot body 100. The sensor electronics 31 dissipates electrical energy as heat. The heat is transferred by conduction through the housing wall 1 to the outside of the robot body 100. An array of cooling ribs 32 located on the exterior of the body distributes the heat over a large surface to accelerate heat transfer to the environment by convection alone.

[0067] The sensor electronics 31 are connected to a sensor element 33 which may comprise an optical sensor for recording depth data, in particular a wide-angle camera, a stereo camera and / or an infrared camera. The sensor element 33 is placed in front of the array of cooling ribs 32 and is connected to the sensor electronics 31 via a cable passing through a cable tunnel 320 which is part of the array of cooling ribs 32.

[0068] Preferably, the alignment element 35 mechanically connects the array of cooling ribs 32 with the sensor element 33. A first mechanism 351 of the alignment element 35 securely locks to a mechanism on the array of cooling ribs 32, and a second mechanism 352 of the alignment element securely locks to a mechanism on the sensor element 33. The sensor element 33 is surrounded by a sensor protector 34 comprising a window 340, in particular a glass window, and the sensor protector 34 and the alignment element 35 hermetically seal the sensor element 33. The sensor element 33 is hermetically connected to the interior of the robot body 100 via a cable tunnel 320.

[0069] Figure 3a shows an unexploded view of the sensor unit 300 of Figure 3. The sensor element 33 is not visible as it is surrounded by a sensor protector 34. The sensor element 33 has an optical connection to the environment via a window 340.

[0070] In particular, the interface between the sensor protector 34 surrounding the sensor element 33, the alignment element 35, and the array of cooling ribs 32 is sealed from the environment.

[0071] 3b shows three cross-sectional views of the sensor unit 300. The cable tunnel 320 is clearly visible. A series of cooling ribs 32 are interrupted by the cable tunnel 320. The cable tunnel 320 is not interconnected with the open space between the cooling ribs 32, as it is part of a hermetically sealed chamber consisting of the interior of the robot body 100, the interior of the sensor protector 34, and the cable tunnel 320.

[0072] FIG. 4 shows an exploded view of a facial structure 4000 comprising a camera unit 410, a first face sensor unit 400 and a second face sensor unit 400'.

[0073] Each face sensor unit 400, 400' comprises sensor electronics 41, 41' that are disposed inside the robot torso 100 and thermally coupled to the inner surface of the housing wall 1 of the torso 100. The array of face sensor cooling ribs 42, 42' of each face sensor unit 400, 400' is disposed outside the torso 100 and thermally coupled to the outer surface of the housing wall (visible in Figure 5b).

[0074] The sensor element 43, 43' of each face sensor unit 400, 400' is disposed inside the fuselage 100 and connected to the sensor electronics 41, 41'. The sensor electronics 41, 41' of each face sensor unit 400, 400' is disposed between the respective sensor element 43, 43' and the array of face sensor cooling ribs 42, 42'.

[0075] Preferably, a sensor protector 44 , 44 ′ surrounds each sensor element 43 , 43 ′, and each sensor protector 44 , 44 ′ is formed as part of the housing wall 1 .

[0076] Thus, each sensor element 43, 43' is disposed within the fuselage 100. The sensor protectors 44, 44' are sealed to prevent fluids and gases from entering the fuselage 100.

[0077] In particular, the sensor protectors 44, 44' form part of the housing wall 1 here, which is why it is possible to define the sensor elements 43, 43' as being surrounded by the housing wall 1 or the sensor protectors 44, 44' without contradiction.

[0078] The housing wall 1 or sensor protector 44, 44' surrounding each sensor element 43, 43' respectively has a window 440, 440' that allows each sensor element 43, 43' to detect a signal from the outside. The interface between each window 440, 440' and the outside of the housing wall 1 or sensor protector 44, 44', respectively, is hermetically sealed.

[0079] Preferably, each sensor element 400, 400' comprises at least one optical sensor, in particular a wide-angle camera, a stereo camera and / or an infrared camera, in particular a wide-angle camera and a stereo camera.

[0080] The camera unit 410 comprises a camera oriented in a first specific direction d1 to detect a first signal. At least one face sensor unit 400 comprises a sensor element 41 oriented in a second specific direction d2 to detect a second signal. The second face sensor unit 400' is oriented in a third specific direction d3 to detect a third signal.

[0081] Figures 5a and 5b show perspective views of the facial structure 4000 shown in the exploded view of Figure 4. It can be clearly seen that in a preferred embodiment of the facial structure as shown in Figure 5a, the camera unit 410 is positioned adjacent to and aligned with at least one face sensor unit 400.

[0082] More preferably, the at least one face sensor unit 400 is arranged adjacent to and aligned with the second face sensor unit 400'.

[0083] Figure 5c shows a cross section of a side view of the facial structure 4000 of Figures 5a and 5b. In particular, the arrangement of the camera unit 410, the face sensor unit 400 and the second face sensor unit 400' is visible. Furthermore, directions d1, d2, d3 are marked in the plane (paper surface). In particular, the angle α is such that α≧10°, in particular α≧20°. [Explanation of symbols]

[0084] TIFF0007808345000001.tif192170

Claims

1. A robot body (100), comprising: a housing wall (1) having an inner and an outer surface; - at least one unit integrated into said housing wall (1), Equipped with The at least one unit is a cooling unit (200) for cooling the heat source (11) inside said robot body (100); a sensor unit (300), a face sensor unit (400), - camera unit (410) and and one or more units selected from the list consisting of: The at least one unit is a heat source located inside the robot body (100) and thermally coupled to the housing wall (1); a heat sink located outside the robot body (100) and thermally coupled to the housing wall (1) for cooling the heat source; Equipped with A robot body (100) wherein the housing wall (1) essentially hermetically seals the robot body (100).

2. the at least one unit comprises the cooling unit; The cooling unit is a heat spreader (21) arranged inside the robot body (100) and thermally connectable to the heat source (11); a heat sink (23) located outside the robot body (100) and thermally coupled to the outer surface of the housing wall (1) of the robot body (100); The robot body (100) of claim 1, comprising:

3. 3. The robot body (100) of claim 2, wherein in the cooling unit, a heat exchanger is arranged in thermal connection with the heat sink (23) to actively cool the heat sink (23), the heat sink (23) having metallic cooling ribs, the heat exchanger being adapted to force an airflow through the cooling ribs to cool the heat sink.

4. 4. The robot body (100) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein in the cooling unit, for forced active cooling of the heat sink (23), the heat sink (23) is covered with an air duct (230) having a fan (231) for generating an air flow along the heat sink (23), configured for forced convective cooling of the heat sink (23).

5. The robot body (100) of any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the cooling unit further comprises a thermally conductive layer (24) adapted to thermally connect the heat spreader (21) with the heat source (11).

6. The at least one unit has the sensor unit (300), The sensor unit (300) - sensor electronics (31) located inside the robot body (100) and thermally coupled to the inner surface of the housing wall (1) of the robot body (100); an array of cooling ribs (32) located on the exterior of the robot fuselage (100) thermally coupled to the exterior surface of the housing wall (1); a sensor element (33) located outside the robot body (100), the connector from the sensor element (33) to the sensor electronics (31) passing through a cable tunnel (320) that extends through the bulk portion (321) of the cooling rib (32) and through the housing wall (1); Equipped with 6. The robot body (100) of claim 1, wherein the sensor unit (300) is configured such that heat from the heat source, the sensor electronics (31), is transferred through the housing wall (1) to the heat sink, the array of cooling ribs (32).

7. 7. The robot fuselage of claim 6, wherein the sensor unit further comprises an alignment element for aligning the sensor element of the sensor unit with the cable tunnel, the alignment element comprising at least one first mechanism that securely locks to a mechanism of the array of cooling ribs of the sensor unit and / or at least one second mechanism that securely locks to a mechanism of the sensor element of the sensor unit.

8. The at least one unit comprises the face sensor unit (400), The face sensor unit (400) a sensor element (43) arranged inside the robot body (100) and capable of detecting signals from outside the robot body through a window (440) in the housing wall (1); - sensor electronics (41) located inside the robot body (100), electrically connected to the sensor element (43) and thermally coupled to the inner surface of the housing wall (1) of the robot body (100); an array of face sensor cooling ribs (42) located on the exterior of the robot body (100) thermally coupled to the exterior surface of the housing wall (1) for cooling the sensor electronics (41); Equipped with The face sensor unit (400) is configured such that heat from the heat source, the sensor electronics (41), is transferred through the housing wall (1) to the heat sink, the array of face sensor cooling ribs (42). The robot body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. - a sensor protector (34, 44) surrounding said sensor element (33, 43) and comprising a window (340, 440); The robot body (100) of claim 6 or 8, further comprising:

10. The robot body (100) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the sensor element (33) comprises at least one optical sensor.

11. a camera unit (410) comprising a camera directed in a first specific direction (d1) to detect a first signal; a first face sensor unit (400) having a first sensor element oriented in a second specific direction (d2) for detecting a second signal; a second face sensor unit (400') having a second sensor element oriented in a third direction (d3) for detecting a third signal; 10. The robotic torso (100) of claim 8, comprising a facial structure (4000) comprising:

12. The housing wall (1) is, in the robot body, - a circuit board of said robot; - a connector from the circuit board to the at least one unit; and / or - a connector between said at least one unit and further units, if any; The robot body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, enclosing

13. an inspection payload interface unit (500) adapted to couple an inspection payload to said robot body (100); an electrical interface unit (600) adapted to couple the electronic connectors of the actuators of said robotic limbs; a mechanical interface unit (700) adapted to be attached to the limb of said robot; - a battery interface unit (800) for connecting said robot body (100) to a battery; a docking interface unit (900) for docking said robot body (100) to a docking station; The robot body (100) of any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising:

14. The robot body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the housing wall (1) comprises aluminum for electromagnetically shielding electronic components arranged within the robot body (100).

15. The robot body (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a part of the housing wall (1) comprises a semi-permeable membrane (101) that is permeable to water vapor.

16. An autonomous legged robot comprising a robot body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 15.

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