Robotic Asset Inspection With Adaptive Paths and Remote Algorithms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Human inspection of assets is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often unsuitable for accessing hard-to-reach locations, leading to inefficiencies and potential over- or under-inspection, especially when dealing with complex or hazardous environments.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing robots, such as UAVs, ground-based robots, and submersible vehicles, that follow adaptive flight or movement plans to collect inspection data autonomously, leveraging machine learning and remote server coordination for data processing and algorithm updates, enabling efficient and safe asset inspection without direct human intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If human inspectors perform asset inspection manually, then inspection can be conducted with simple equipment, but inspection time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic inspection system performs autonomous inspections without continuous human intervention. The robot navigates independently, collects data using onboard sensors, and transmits information automatically, enabling the system to service itself during operation and significantly improving inspection efficiency while reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human mechanical inspection with an automated robotic system equipped with sensors, cameras, and onboard processing. This substitution eliminates manual labor constraints and enables continuous, rapid data collection, directly addressing the contradiction between inspection efficiency and time consumption
2Reliability
If human inspectors access hard-to-reach locations, then comprehensive inspection coverage is achieved, but safety risks and accessibility limitations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The robot autonomously navigates to and inspects hard-to-reach locations without human operators needing to physically access those areas. The system's independent navigation and onboard sensors enable it to service difficult-to-access zones safely, improving both safety reliability and operational ease
Solution Approach 2:
The robotic system acts as an intermediary between human operators and hazardous or inaccessible inspection locations. It collects data from dangerous environments and transmits information back to operators, eliminating the need for humans to directly access harmful areas while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage
3Adaptability or versatility
If inspection follows fixed schedules, then regular monitoring is maintained, but over-inspection or under-inspection occurs reducing resource optimization
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection system transitions from static scheduled inspections to dynamic condition-based monitoring. Sensors continuously assess asset conditions and automatically adjust inspection frequency and intensity based on real-time data, enabling the system to adapt to actual asset needs and optimize resource allocation accordingly
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where sensor data from inspections informs future inspection planning. Based on detected conditions, the system automatically adjusts monitoring frequency and priorities, creating an adaptive schedule that optimizes resource use while maintaining appropriate inspection levels
Data Source
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AI summary
An asset inspection system includes a robot and a server. The server receives a request for data from the robot, wherein the requested data comprises an algorithm, locates the requested data in a database stored on the server, encrypts the requested data, and transmits the requested data to the robot. The robot is configured to collect inspection data corresponding to an asset based at least in part on the requested data and transmit the collected inspection data to the server.