ATEX Inspections by ExRobotics
ExRobotics Since the end of 2017, it has been developing and producing robots that can operate in potentially explosive environments. These crawlers perform their work close to the ground, while the measuring and control equipment in factories is often at eye level. ExRobotics is designing a module for the ExR-2 that can lift cameras and sensors to a maximum height of 3 metres.
ExRobotics' robust and reliable robots can carry out their inspection and survey tasks in environments where there is a risk of gas and dust explosion. Normal robots are not permitted there because they themselves are a potential ignition source. For Shell, Iwan de Waard and Ian Peerless developed the world's first robot capable of functioning in this environment. They also decided to design such robots for other companies, which led to the establishment of ExRobotics. Over twenty robots have now been sold to companies on four continents.
For the Smart Maintenance Labs project, ExRobotics is seeking a solution to a height issue. The inspection robots move along the ground, meaning the cameras and sensors on the robot are too low to inspect measuring and control equipment. Using a robot arm is not an option as it would need to comply with explosion-proof standards and would quickly become too heavy for the robot. ExRobotics has developed an elevating platform that can ascend vertically on its own. When retracted, the cylinder has a diameter and a height of 20 centimetres. The rod that extends from the structure can reach a height of up to 4 metres.
The prototype is currently being developed further. The ExR-2 with the new module should be ready by the end of the year.
October 2020 update
The prototype has since been extensively tested. The cylinder with the camera reaches a height of 4 metres. The cable limits the height to a maximum of 2 metres.
In the coming period, tests will be conducted with a different type of metal to reduce metal fatigue. In December, testing will take place in temperature chambers. In January, ExRobotics hopes to have the demonstration model ready, so that the application can be brought to market in the first quarter of 2021.
