Compact magnetic wheeled robot with high mobility for inspecting complex shaped pipe structures

Abstract

This paper describes a compact robot with two magnetic wheels in a bicycle arrangement, which is intended for inspecting the inner casing of pipes with complex shaped structures. The locomotion concept is based on an adapted magnetic wheel unit integrating two lateral lever arms. These arms allow for slightly lifting off the wheel in order to locally decrease the magnetic force, as well as laterally stabilizing the wheel unit. The robot has the main advantage to be compact and mechanically simple. It features 5 active degrees of freedom: 2 driven wheels each equipped with an active lifter-stabilizer and 1 steering unit. This paper also presents the design and implementation of a prototype robot and its high mobility is shown. It is able to pass 90deg convex and concave obstacles with any inclination regarding the gravity. Finally, it only requires limited space to maneuver, since turning on spot around the rear wheel is possible.