Autonomous GPR Survey Robot for Hazardous Subsurface Mapping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional GPR surveys are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose risks to human operators, especially in inaccessible or hazardous areas, as they require manual operation and cannot be efficiently conducted in remote or dangerous environments.
Innovation Solution
An autonomous GPR system where a GPR device is mechanically connected to a robot that can define and follow a survey path independently, using sensors and navigation algorithms to acquire data without human input, allowing for efficient and safe data collection in various terrains and environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation is used for GPR survey, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the survey process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the GPR device with an autonomous mobile robot platform, merging ground-penetrating radar functionality with autonomous navigation capabilities. This integration enables automated survey execution, significantly improving productivity by eliminating manual operation requirements while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robot performs self-navigation and self-positioning using onboard sensors (GPS, IMU, wheel encoders) and control algorithms. The system autonomously follows predefined survey paths, adjusts its position, and executes GPR measurements without human intervention, thereby enhancing survey efficiency while reducing labor intensity.
2Reliability
If manual operation is used for GPR survey, then the equipment is simple, but it poses risks to human operators in hazardous areas
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous robot performs self-navigation and self-positioning using onboard sensors (GPS, IMU, wheel encoders) and control algorithms. The system autonomously follows predefined survey paths, adjusts its position, and executes GPR measurements without human intervention, thereby enhancing survey efficiency while reducing labor intensity.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robot acts as an intermediary between the operator and hazardous survey environments. By deploying the robot to conduct surveys in dangerous areas (minefields, unstable terrain, contaminated zones), human operators are protected from direct exposure to risks while the robot performs measurements autonomously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation is used for GPR survey, then the system is simple to deploy, but it cannot efficiently conduct surveys in remote or inaccessible areas
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic autonomous navigation capabilities, allowing the robot to adaptively move through varied terrains and inaccessible areas. The robot can dynamically adjust its path, overcome obstacles, and reach remote locations that are difficult or dangerous for human operators, thereby expanding survey area accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous robot performs self-navigation and self-positioning using onboard sensors (GPS, IMU, wheel encoders) and control algorithms. The system autonomously follows predefined survey paths, adjusts its position, and executes GPR measurements without human intervention, thereby enhancing survey efficiency while reducing labor intensity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The autonomous system significantly reduces the time and effort required for GPR surveys, enabling safe operation in hazardous areas and facilitating data collection in remote or inaccessible locations with high precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A GPR antenna emits a radar wave, typically in a frequency band between 10 MHz and 3.5 GHz, into a subsurface or an object to-be-tested, and receives reflected radar waves back from the subsurface or, respectively, the object.
Data Source
AI summary
GPR system and method for autonomously conducting a GPR survey of a subsurface bounded by a surface by a GPR device. The GPR device is mechanically connected to an autonomous robot. The method includes defining a survey path on the surface in a survey geometry; causing the robot to autonomously move along the survey path, thereby controlling a position of the GPR device; transmitting, via the GPR device, radar waves into the subsurface and recording their echoes as GPR data together with position data indicative of the position of the GPR device. The GPR system acquires GPR data of a subsurface bounded by a surface. The GPR system includes an autonomous robot, in particular with legs, and a GPR device, in particular which alternatively may be used as a stand-alone device.