Development of in-pipe material transporter robot

Abstract

In-Pipe robots are generally being used in various inspection applications for maintaining water, gas, and other pipelines. On literature survey, we have noticed functional discussion of various designs of such inspection robots and the key issues of navigating in straight, curved, branched & inclined pipes. This paper also describes about development of an In-Pipe robot which becomes unique by its design, functionality and the area of application. An in-pipe Robot has been developed with differential drive wheels and also with set of guide wheel mechanism for using as a material transporter robot to transfer small amount of materials between various locations within a campus or industry which are located on different levels/floors. The robot will travel at a greater speed on a pipeline, which connects all these locations. The wheel arm mechanism will create required friction for continue moving the robot on inclined paths. The frictional force will be applied only when needed by moving the arm with reference to the traveling angle of the Robot. It helps for rapid transfer of materials to the destinations. This In-Pipe transporter robot can be used for 1) Transferring sample materials in Cement, Steel, Chemicals, Pharmaceuticals, & various other process industries 2.) Transferring Sensitive samples, such as Blood samples, Tissue samples, Blood Plasma, Injection vials, etc.... in hospitals 3.) Transferring Cash & Coins in Retail Stores, Banks and Toll Booths 4.) Transferring Documents, Cheques, bills, etc...in Airports, Railways Stations, Large corporate offices and hotels.