Automated Inspections and Robotic Units

Highlights

• An older classification society image of a bulk carrier cargo hold is presented, showing a vehicle with a hydraulic crane that still requires a person to operate it.
• Automated inspections are described as operating fully independently of human intervention, as illustrated by a climbing robot mounted on the outer hull in a European Union project.
• Autonomous units are expected to use non-destructive testing devices, collect and automatically process data using algorithms, and enable evaluation from a safe, stationary location.
• Target defects include general, pitting, weld metal, and grooving corrosion, cracks, deformations, coating breakdown, and fouling, with cracks difficult to distinguish from cracked paint.
• Three challenges are defined as complete data collection, prompt and correct identification requiring significant computing power, and the assessment of localized findings for structural decision-making.