Methods of imaging a tunnel network using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Technology title

Methods of imaging a tunnel network using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Technology overview

Enclosed infrastructures, such as train, sewage and other underground tunnel networks, require periodic inspection for corrective and predictive maintenance. UAVs are ideal for these applications due to its aerial mode of locomotion. It is able to traverse tunnels with challenging terrain, such as silts, sewerage or debris. UAVs also eliminate the reliance on complex hoisting and winching mechanisms for deployment and retrieval in deep tunnel network. This technology describes a novel method for navigation and visual inspection of tunnel network using an UAV.

Technology specifications

The UAV comprises:

1. A unique rotating camera system for high-resolution omnidirectional imaging;
2. Lightweight sensing array for autonomous navigation.

The gimbal system is mounted on the central body of the UAV. As the UAV is moving along the longitudinal axis of the tunnel, the system is configured to continuously rotate the camera such that the camera captures a spiral panoramic image.

The lightweight sensing array consists of multiple range sensors mounted at opportune vantage positions on the UAV. The sensing array exploits the geometric information of man-made tunnel for low-energy and accurate localisation in visually-degraded and GPS-denied tunnel environment.

Sector

Built environment inspection.

Market opportunity

Inspection in extensive enclosed spaces, such as underground tunnel networks, can be:

1. Costly, as heavy equipment such as mechanised aerial work platforms and bulky hoisting and winching system for equipment deployment and retrieval;
2. Time-consuming, since these structures are extensive and heavy equipment takes very long to mobilise, demobilise, and reposition;
3. Dangerous, exposing human to high occupational risk of working in enclosed spaces, falling from heights, and exposure to hazardous local environments (such as dust, and hazardous gases).

There are market opportunities for cost-effective, effective and safer workplace environment for these inspection operations.

Applications

The technology can be applied in diverse man-made tunnel environment, such as train, sewerage, and other underground tunnel network.

Customer benefits

The customer will gain tangible benefits from improved productivity, lower cost of operation from equipment rental and manpower savings, and a safer workplace and health environment.

Technology readiness level

TRL 7