Emesent Hovermap deployed via remote controlled vehicle offers safer, quicker mapping of challenging underground pipes and tunnels
Collaboration between Emesent and KBR combines SLAM-based LiDAR scanning, HD 360-degree camera imagery, and a remote-controlled vehicle, for accurate and efficient sewer inspections
Emesent Hovermap has scanned a 640m sewer pipe via remote-controlled vehicle, allowing accurate observation of the highly restricted environment by crews stationed safely above ground, while cutting planning and inspection times by an estimated 50%.
In collaboration with global solution provider KBR, Emesent has mounted its world-leading SLAM-based mobile scanning unit Hovermap ST-X to a customized remote-controlled vehicle. In addition to Emesent technology, the vehicle includes a high-definition 360-degree camera with imagery from the camera synchronized to the data captured by Hovermap.
Emesent co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Dr Stefan Hrabar said: “This innovative application of Emesent Hovermap – achieved through close collaboration with KBR – delivers an easy-to-deploy inspection tool that offers highly valuable time-saving insights.”
The solution delivers data captured in areas considered too dangerous or cramped for a person to access. The resultant georeferenced 3D digital map allows maintenance crews to identify exactly where repairs are required, thus minimizing the cost and disruption caused by tunneling or excavation work.
“Emesent is known for its ability to map inaccessible spaces, especially dangerous underground environments, like stopes,” said Dr Hrabar. “What is unique about this project is that it takes Hovermap’s core capabilities into the confined subterranean world of pipes and tunnels.”
While data can be viewed in real time via a tablet app, the exported data and 360-degree imagery can be uploaded to the web platform of Emesent partner Cintoo for sharing with operational crews and other team members.
The solution is expected to enhance safety and improve planning for a number of infrastructure maintenance scenarios, including pre-entry pipe inspections, monitoring of environmental changes, and inspections in tight tunnels where crews are unable to access.
“This is a great example of the versatility of Emesent Hovermap,” said Dr Hrabar.
Our collaboration with KBR has created an easy-to-use solution that solves multiple headaches for city councils. The combined tech delivers accurate visualizations of underground infrastructure, ensures the safety of maintenance teams in the field, helps minimize inconvenience to the public, and saves both time and the cost of operations.
– stefan Hrabar, Co-Founder & CHief Strategy Officer
Watch the video below to see the solution in action and hear quotes from KBR and Emesent.
The inspection solution featuring Hovermap on a remote controlled vehicle is a prototype that’s not currently commercially produced. If you are interested to learn more about this solution, request information here.
To learn more about Emesent Hovermap and Emesent industry solutions visit the Emesent website.
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