EX ROVR, the autonomous, explosion-proof, plant inspection robot : Technology

[ Nuclear Power Generation ]

[ ENERGY ]

• The advanced travel mechanism has been proven through actual field operations on data collection missions at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
• EX ROVR's higher mobility and small footprint allows for travel through narrow paths in multi-floor petrochemical plants.

• High robot availability with 2 hours of operation* with just 2 hours of charging
• Contactless power charging station can be installed in the hazardous location

• Depend on operating load

• Sensors integrated both for mobile and explosion-proof use
• Newly developed communication I/F and power charge station for mobile use

• Originally developed operation algorithm enables 3D-SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) traveling and stairs/obstacles negotiation
• Autonomous routine multi-floor plant inspection according to preset scenarios on robot scheduler system

• Wire-driven robotic arm is light weight and explosion-proof certified
• Integrated visual camera system captures high resolution images of plant gauges for digital data processing
• Optional one degree-of-freedom gripper enables light manipulation

Utilizing small, endoscopic camera technology from the industrial / medical fields, an ultra-small and lightweight flame proof camera allows for the visual inspection system to be located on the tip of the explosion-proof manipulator.

An explosion-proof robotic hand (with multiple articulated fingers driven mechanically by a 1 degree-of-freedom wire) can grasp objects with complex shapes

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The crawler frame is created through the precision sand casting of aluminum alloys.Our unique casting technology enables a strong, thin, and weight-saving frame. We also conduct an X-ray CT inspection to enhance the products' reliability and ensure the frame is free of potential casting defects (such as blowholes).

Various shapes of tempered glass such as flat, cylindrical, and dome glass are available for explosion-proof standards.

The LTE router with support for a wide range of operating temperatures and the newly developed explosion-proof antenna with wideband and high-gain technology enables IoT communication in harsh environments for remotely managing the operating status of the robot.

EX ROVR features special crawler belt shapes which are suitable to challenging applications. The track's unique polyurethane compounding paired with molding expertise allows EX ROVR to achieve optimal traction and power transfer even in severe conditions.

The battery management system includes powerful features such as power control over the flameproof container wall and interlocked power shutdown in the event of protective gas pressure drop. These advanced features contribute to a significant size reduction of the flameproof battery container.

Utilizing technique and know-how of the explosion-proof apparatus manufacturer, a lightweight flame-proof battery case balances the explosion proof and the mobility of the robot, and a compact flame-proof camera case acquires the visibility of the hand eye camera.

The ultra-compact servo driver Gold Twitter (manufactured by Elmo) that supports DC power is compatible with a wide range of motors with high controllability and versatility. In combination with the motion controller Platinum Maestro, multiple drivers can be flexibly controlled via CAN Open.

• Sophisticated explosion-proof interlock and pressurized enclosure design enable a light-weight mobile robot.
• Charging station provides protective gas recharges for the robot.
• EX ROVR automatically navigates back to the optimal charging position to ensure proper terminal connection and contact.