A Robotic Manipulator for Inspection and Maintenance of Tall Structures

A succession of wall climbing robots have been built by the designers at the University of Portsmouth and Portech Ltd. This paper describes the latest machine, SCOUR, which has been designed to inspect and maintain large vertical or horizontal curved surfaces. Machines of this type are used where human access is either hazardous or expensive. The paper describes the design and performance trials of the SCOUR robot which was recently completed. The main purpose of the project was to develop a robot that would enable work on tall structures without endangering the work force, and would also reduce the vast costs which are inherent when scaffolding and ‘tenting’ large structures to ensure that Health and Safety standards are met.