Project description
Infrastructure inspection robots in the air
The inspection and maintenance of large infrastructure is a big challenge for engineers and represents a major economic activity. Robot technologies can help increase efficiency, reduce costs and keep workers out of hazardous conditions. The EU-funded AERIAL-CORE project is developing an integrated aerial cognitive robotic system to assist human workers in inspection and maintenance activities. Specifically, it will integrate aerial robots for long range (several kilometres) and very accurate (subcentimetre) inspection of the infrastructure capability. Also, the maintenance activities will be based on aerial manipulation involving force interactions. The project will base its technology on cognitive mechatronics. It will apply cognitive capabilities to aerial morphing in order to combine long-range endurance and hovering for local observations, manipulation involving force interactions and coworking with humans.
Objective
The main objective of AERIAL-CORE is the development of core technology modules and an integrated aerial cognitive robotic system that will have unprecedented capabilities on the operational range and safety in the interaction with people, or Aerial Co-Workers (ACW), for applications such as the inspection and maintenance of large infrastructures. The project will integrate aerial robots with different characteristics to meet the requirements of: (1) Long range (several kilometres) and local very accurate (subcentimetre) inspection of the infrastructure capability; (2) Maintenance activities based on aerial manipulation involving force interactions; and (3) Aerial co-working safely and efficiently helping human workers in inspection and maintenance.
AERIAL-CORE technology modules will be based on Cognitive Mechatronics and apply cognitive capabilities to aerial morphing in order to combine long range endurance and hovering for local observations, manipulation involving force interactions, and co-working with humans. The project will develop: (1) Cognitive functionalities for aerial robots including perception based on novel sensors, such as event cameras, and data fusion techniques, learning, reactivity, fast on-line planning, and teaming; (2) Aerial platforms with morphing capabilities, to save energy in long range flights and perform a very accurate inspection; (3) Cognitive aerial manipulation capabilities, including manipulation while flying, while holding with one limb, and while hanging or perching to improve accuracy and develop greater forces; (4) Cognitive safe aerial robotic co-workers capable of physical interaction with people; and (5) Integrated aerial robotic system for the inspection and maintenance of large infrastructures. The system will be demonstrated in electrical power system inspection and maintenance, which is an application with a huge economic impact that also has implications in the safety of workers and in wildlife conservation.
Fields of science
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensorsoptical sensors
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringroboticscognitive robots
- engineering and technologymechanical engineeringmechatronics
Keywords
Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
RIA - Research and Innovation actionCoordinator
41004 Sevilla
Spain
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Participants (18)
1015 Lausanne
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75794 Paris
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80125 Napoli
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
80124 Napoli Na
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41039 La Rinconada Sevilla
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8006 Zurich
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160 00 Praha
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10000 Zagreb
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546 36 THESSALONIKI
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01630 Saint-Genis-Pouilly
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
Participation ended
1033 Cheseaux-Lausanne
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31670 Labege
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
5230 Odense M
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28042 Madrid
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Legal entity other than a subcontractor which is affiliated or legally linked to a participant. The entity carries out work under the conditions laid down in the Grant Agreement, supplies goods or provides services for the action, but did not sign the Grant Agreement. A third party abides by the rules applicable to its related participant under the Grant Agreement with regard to eligibility of costs and control of expenditure.
50018 Zaragoza
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11207 Algeciras
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
7522 NB Enschede
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31621 Sarriguren-Valle De Egues
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The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.