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Space robot will help prevent landslides

18 November 2003

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Roboclimber, a 3000-kg robot built to prevent landslides, shown in a computer animation. The robot uses space technology to insert 20-metre long rods into potentially perilous slopes that could cause landslides. To do this job manually requires the use of tall scaffolding and can be risky. With Roboclimber the work is controlled remotely by operators stood at a safe distance. The first test with a complete robot is planned for spring 2004.

Credits: Roboclimber / ESA

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A view of the debris caused by a landslide on the provincial road in Bindo, on the outskirts of Cortenova near Lecco, northern Italy on 1 December 2002. More than 1000 people were evacuated from their homes as potential landslides caused by heavy rains in northern Italy threatened the local population.

Credits: AP Photo - Stefano Cardini

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Stabilising risky slopes is today done manually using scaffolding which first has to be constructed. Roboclimber could reduce the cost of slope consolidation by an estimated 30% on large interventions and by up to 80% on small consolidations.

Credits: TEVE sas di Roberto Zannini & co

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Stabilising risky slopes is a dangerous job. Today it is done manually by workers who have to build and climb tall scaffolding and who remain exposed to siliceous dust and loud penetrating noise.

Credits: TEVE sas di Roberto Zannini & co

Transfer of technology from European space programmes

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Another area of innovative technology R&D is the development for use in scientific space missions of mini- and micro-robotics for planetary exploration. The micro-rover NANOKHOD built by the German company von Hoerner & Sulger GmbH (vH&S) for ESA's Technology and Research Programme illustrates the potential of European research and development. The NANOKHOD is can transport and operate scientific payload instruments in the vicinity of a planetary lander. With a total mass of roughly 3 kg (including payloads), the rover can accommodate as much as 1 kg of instrument payloads and can operate in extreme operating environments with temperatures as low as –170°C.

Credits: von Hoerner & Sulger GmbH

The space-robot at work on Earth

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The image shows an early conceptual prototype of the Roboclimber, used to test the concept, operating on a near vertical rock face. Stabilising a risky slope initiates with a geological survey, after which a series of holes are made to consolidate the wall. The objective of a tele-operated climbing robotic system for the maintenance and consolidation of mountain slopes is to drill the deep holes for the insertion of 20-metre long rods. This saves time and operating costs and is less dangerous. Roboclimber is made by a consortium of European SMEs and uses the same expertise as that used in ESA robotic missions and instruments used to control the attitude of spinning satellites.

Credits: D'Appolonia

Videos

ROBOCLIMBER (.mpg)

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