Industrial Consultancy & Sponsored Research (IC&SR) , IIT Madras

Remotely Operable Underwater Robotic Systems

Categories for this Invention

Technology: Underwater robotic systems ;

Industry: Robotics, Autonomous Underwater Vehicles; Application: Remotely Operated Vehicle, Defense & Security, Scientific Research & etc.

Market: The global underwater robot market is projected to reach US$5.57billion by the end of 2034 at a CAGR of 13.7% during the forecast period (2024-34).

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Problem Statement

  • The problem statement discussed in the present invention is how to provide device/system to test & inspect underwater assets, & floors or reservoirs without complex & difficult operation including additional instruments and control system.
  • Hence, there is a need to address the issue & said invention provides the solution efficiently.

Technology

Present patent describes an underwater system for inspecting reservoirs or tanks comprising of:

  • a robotic vehicle comprising of a chassis, a single cylindrical hull mounted on the chassis with wheels and a motor in a motor enclosure connected to a navigation system, positioning system, vision system, and a non-destructive evaluation system;
  • a processing means to control the robotic vehicle and receive a plurality of data from the systems mounted on the vehicle; a control system to drive the vehicle (100) in accordance with the instructions received from the control system.
  • The system is having the non-destructive evaluation system which includes ultrasound transducers  mounted on the vehicle connected to the processing means.
  • said processing means is a programmable microprocessor with storage and display means. Said system is tested under various environment. (Image of a test case (on Aluminum plate) shown herein)

Key Features / Value Proposition

Unique Modular Design including other Industrial Features

  • Capable of accommodating multiple non-destructive evaluation sensors, peripheral electronic as well as mechanical systems.
  • It has an encoder-based dead-reckoning positioning system independent of the properties of the fluid.
  • Three-point contact chassis without suspension minimalizes the slippage problem & provides better control of the vehicle.
  • Its on-board platform is capable of real time data transfer of sensor, telemetry & video data.
  • The front two wheels are powered using brushless DC motors and an Omni-directional wheel used at the back to facilitate smooth and stable turns of the vehicle. Further provide better braking and control features.
  • The vehicle is made negatively buoyant to avoid pitch, yaw, roll & heave motion control.
  • The vehicle can be operated under flammable fluidic conditions as well.
  • Claimed invention has large mounting capacity & a plug and play payload architecture.
  • The proposed system is compact in size & modular to enable upgradation of technology.
  • The system is designed also for online inspection of storage tanks & pressure vessels.
  • The system can also be used for tanks in nuclear power industries & scientific exploration purposes.

Questions about this Technology?

Contact For Licensing

sm-marketing@imail.iitm.ac.in
ipoffice2@iitm.ac.in

Research Lab

Prof. Prabhu Rajagopal

Prof. Krishnan Balasubramanian

Department of Mechanical Engineering

Intellectual Property

  • IITM IDF Ref. 1470

  • IN Patent No. 516897

Technology Readiness Level

TRL-4

Technology validated in Laboratory

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