Project Objective

To collaborate with a team to design and develop a robotic frame capable of autonomously delivering a cold spray repair system inside natural gas pipelines. This innovation aims to transform inspection and maintenance processes in industrial sectors, including petrochemical plants and utility infrastructure.

What Was Done

Developed the Robotic Pipe Navigator, an autonomous robot designed to navigate and inspect pipeline systems. The design incorporated a rack-and-pinion arm system and a scissor lift frame to enable 360-degree cold spray delivery. The robot was built to adapt to pipes of varying diameters (1 ft to 2.5 ft) while ensuring ease of assembly and cost-effective manufacturing using laser-cut Delrin sheets.

Skills Used

• Robotics design and engineering

• Autonomous navigation systems

• Mechanical design (rack-and-pinion system, scissor lift)

• Materials engineering (laser-cut Delrin)

• Cost optimization and manufacturing processes

End Result

The project delivered a fully functional autonomous robot capable of rapid pipeline navigation and real-time condition reporting. The robot demonstrated effective maneuverability across diverse pipe configurations, durability, and reduced maintenance costs, positioning it as a cutting-edge solution for pipeline inspection and repair.