a combination of mechatronics and design

SIR combines a compact attractive design with an innovative mechanical structure and a lightweight yet powerful electronic equipment.

Four strong, actuated magnetic wheels with a revolutionary alignment allow SIR to overcome the different profiles found in ship hulls and climb the ship structure independently of gravity.
An innovative detachment mechanism, which got patented, supports SIR to pass concave edges reliably.

Equiped with a paning camera and different sensors, SIR can be controlled remotely via radio connection. SIR provides a lot of feedback data for effective navigation and inspection.
Regarding the visual design, the values reliable, simple, compact and visual inspection come to mind.

Learn more about the design of the robot in the following sections:

a patentworthy detachment mechanism

For detaching the magnetic wheels in a concave 90° edge, a new mechanism was designed. It is simpler, less susceptible to dirt and more reliable than existing solutions.

When driving through a concave edge with a magnetic wheel, it will get attached to two points at the same time: one on the first and one on the second plane. To continue the ride on the second plane, the magnetic force between the first plane and the wheel has to be overcome. This is prevented by a lever, which is mounted to the housing next to the wheel. The lever passively transmits the resulting force from driving against the second plane to the first one. Thus the wheel detaches from the first plane.

The lever is an innovative solution for this kind of problem. It is very simple and robust. Compared to the existing solution dirt affects the functionality much less and the problem of friction while driving does not occur anymore. Therefore, Alstom applied the lever detachment mechanism for patenting at the European patent office.

a handy prototype

SIR's user friendliness is guaranteed by easily swappable wheels, a quickly exchangeable battery and a detachable electronics box.

The wheel hub connection was designed in a way that allows a simple detachment and exchange of the wheels. Therefore, different magnetic wheels can be tested on the prototype robot.

The robot design was planned modular in terms of electronics and mechanics as their assembly and maintenance often happen simultaneously. A deep-seated framework holds the drive-train while the overlying electronic box can be easily detached from the basic structure. Furthermore, the battery can be replaced in a few simple steps or the whole robot can be changed to wired connection.

a presentable and trustworthy design

SIR persuades its customer with an integral design that was achieved through a close collaboration between mechanical, electrical and industrial design engineers.

Key items from the design are represented by SIR's appearance: reliability, simplicity, compactness as well as visual inspection.

The black casing emphasises the slim and compact desgin. Further, it corresponds to the dark and dirty application field. In contrast, the natural anodized sideway motor shields hold the body physically and optically together and show the robot's robustness and reliability. On top, the camera tower stands for visual inspection while the integrated lights and sensors minimise the complexity of the design.

maritime operations

Cargo ships, which transport everything from bananas, coffee, grain, coal, heavy equipment, chemicals, oil and gas, are the backbone of intercontinental trade. With €300bn revenue the shipping industry represents a big global market.

By January 2011, there were 103'392 commercial ships in service. With an average age of 19 years and an expected lifespan of 25 years, regular inspection and repair is an important part of the global fleet maintenance.

The mechanical stress of loading and unloading, and the corrosive properties of seawater all take their toll on a vessel's structure. This is especially true for a ship's ballast tanks, which are filled with seawater to compensate for weight changes as cargo is loaded and unloaded. Since the ballast tanks are located deep inside the ship, they are the most susceptible to unseen corrosion.