The Ship Inspection Robot is intended to simplify the inspection process for huge cargo vessels and thus help save costs. In particular, it should increase security for inspectors, as they will no longer have to climb into every nook and cranny of the vessel themselves.
Within the focus project framework during fifth and sixth semester, an interdisciplinary team of ten students in total develops a ship inspection robot. This robot is intended to inspect the structures of ballast tanks in huge cargo vessels visually with a camera to find signs of corrosion, leaks and abnormalities. In order to reach all areas of the tank, the robot must be able to scale vertical walls, pass through small hatches and climb over complex profile structures.
Due to its special wheel assembly, the SIR is a tool which can manoeuvre in tight spaces and climb over all manner of steel profiles. The robot's entire construction is designed for low production costs and robust functioning. Even non-specialised users can deploy and control it.
