Field Application of a Robotic System on Cable Stays of Incheon Bridge for Snow Removal

Recently, an increase in the number of construction of long span bridges like a cable-stayed bridge has necessitated the development of technologies for long-term maintenance works and safety of vehicles using such bridges. A lot of researches on application of cutting-edge IT technologies and robotics in the civil engineering field have been conducted for better operation and maintenance of a bridge (Integrated Construction Technology). The cable stays supported by two inverse-Y type pylons of Incheon Bridge are located at the center of the bridge, which results in a potential risk of snow drifts and ice on the cables falling onto the road, threatening the safety of driving vehicles. Therefore, a Snow-Removing Robot (SRR) was developed and tested on the cables of Incheon Bridge to remove snowdrifts on the cables in a bid to secure the safety of vehicles using the bridge and to efficiently maintain the bridge structures.