AEROBI project newsletter

Learn more about the first year of this innovative project

AEROBI demonstrates the second version of

Aerial Robotic System in Seville

The H2020 AEROBI project aims to develop an incrementally optimised aerial robotic system with a multi-joint arm for the in-depth inspection and assessment of reinforced concrete bridges that will include the computer vision system, sensor system and laser equipment, while it will be integrated with the software to evaluate and structurally assess the mechanical performance and safety of the inspected bridges.

After 2 years of work, the Aerial Robotic System was second time field evaluated and demonstrated on 19^th March on a bridge near Seville, Spain. The main focus of this trial was to demonstrate three different platforms which cover the most important end-user requirements.

During the second trial the operational capabilities were studied, especially in terms of navigation and user-friendliness to prepare the final version that will be tested in Greece for the final demonstration.

Three platforms were tested:

1. Visual inspection on complete bridge:

Crack detection
Other types of damage detection (like spalling and corrosion)

GPS-free localization; short term autonomous navigation

2 . Contact inspections using an autonomous robotic device

Crack depth measurement (standalone tool test)
Precise positioning of contact tool using a total station: Pier inclination, span deflection, etc.

Autonomous flight during the contact operation. Displacement of the contact tool controlled by the inspection operator. Assisted flying mode if not in contact

3. Precise position of different structures of the bridge

Span deflection

Autonomous operation using a total station

Major achievements in the project so far:

Aerial robot and its integrated robotic arm adapted for bridge inspection and preliminary tests.
Developed two alternative lightweight prototypes: a stick-to-ceiling UAV and a UAV with a compliant arm, which have been tested in flight.
Second demonstration of Hypotheses generation for defects (March 2018)
Version 2 of computer vision system for defect classification (March 2018)
Laboratory testing of the crack depth measurement prototype. Prototype ready for integration on the robotic arm of the aerial vehicle.
Fabrication and testing of the crack width measurement module prototype based on optomechanical pressure measurements on fiber-optic fan-out connector.
Development of a fabrication process suitable for manufacturing carbonized resist layers to be used for opto-acoustic emission in the rebar and voids ultrasonic measurement module.
Preliminary tests on profile measurements by prisms optically connected to a total station and manipulated by an aerial vehicle.