Digitally Assured Tunnel Assets Installation System (DATA-IS)
Lead Participant:
I3D ROBOTICS LTD
Abstract
**_Project Background_**
_The fitting out of infrastructure tunnels for mechanical, electrical and communication services (M&E) has traditionally been installed manually in a labour-intensive manner. This manual process is time consuming, unproductive, costly and exposes workers to unsafe working environments and activities._
_This partnership of Costain, Tunnel Engineering Services, i3D Robotics and the MTC have developed a prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation Solution (A-TRIS) to demonstrate a robotics and artificial Intelligence (RAI) process, which fully automates the traditional process of (M&E) service installation of bracketry within a tunnel environment._
_In order prove market readiness and demonstrate how A-TRIS delivers installation efficiency and value for money it now requires integration into high-speed railway construction environments._
**_Project Aims_**
* _Development of a 'live demonstration' system using digital data created by A-TRIS when installing brackets. This digital assurance validates each individual bracket 'at the point of installation' allowing full integration into a modern railway construction environment._
* _The demonstration system will use each tunnel segment's unique identifier code (captured by the A-TRIS '3D-Vision' systems) to associate it with the 'as-built' tunnel model (originally created by a Tunnel Boring Machine) enabling updating of the relevant segment's asset lifecycle history held within the 'as-built' asset management system._
* _In the same way, the demonstration software system utilises the bracket's unique identifier, associates it with the tunnel installation location further enriching 'as-built' asset management systems._
**_Outputs_**
_The outputs from this demonstration software system validate a digitally assured Bracket Installation Test Plan, automatically populated with data created from the A-TRIS '3D-Vision' & robotics systems, during installation. This removes the need for subsequent manual assurance re-work at the point of commissioning and handover. In addition to this the following key outputs shall be demonstrated:_
* _Removal of tunnel operatives at installation_
* _Removal of costs and material waste associated with assurance re-work._
* _Enriched tunnel asset data to optimise O&M for the operational railway._
* _carbon footprint reductions._
**_Focus areas_**
* _The main area of focus will be the demonstration of digital integration of A-TRIS into the construction railway environment to provide industry-wide benefits._
**_Innovation_**
_The build and demonstration of this software system will prove the ability to use automated robotic installation of M&E services within tunnels in a way that is fully integrated into the construction railway environment. This will enable significant cost efficiencies through digital assurance 'at the point of installation', and by enriching tunnel asset data to optimise O&M for the operational railway._
_The fitting out of infrastructure tunnels for mechanical, electrical and communication services (M&E) has traditionally been installed manually in a labour-intensive manner. This manual process is time consuming, unproductive, costly and exposes workers to unsafe working environments and activities._
_This partnership of Costain, Tunnel Engineering Services, i3D Robotics and the MTC have developed a prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation Solution (A-TRIS) to demonstrate a robotics and artificial Intelligence (RAI) process, which fully automates the traditional process of (M&E) service installation of bracketry within a tunnel environment._
_In order prove market readiness and demonstrate how A-TRIS delivers installation efficiency and value for money it now requires integration into high-speed railway construction environments._
**_Project Aims_**
* _Development of a 'live demonstration' system using digital data created by A-TRIS when installing brackets. This digital assurance validates each individual bracket 'at the point of installation' allowing full integration into a modern railway construction environment._
* _The demonstration system will use each tunnel segment's unique identifier code (captured by the A-TRIS '3D-Vision' systems) to associate it with the 'as-built' tunnel model (originally created by a Tunnel Boring Machine) enabling updating of the relevant segment's asset lifecycle history held within the 'as-built' asset management system._
* _In the same way, the demonstration software system utilises the bracket's unique identifier, associates it with the tunnel installation location further enriching 'as-built' asset management systems._
**_Outputs_**
_The outputs from this demonstration software system validate a digitally assured Bracket Installation Test Plan, automatically populated with data created from the A-TRIS '3D-Vision' & robotics systems, during installation. This removes the need for subsequent manual assurance re-work at the point of commissioning and handover. In addition to this the following key outputs shall be demonstrated:_
* _Removal of tunnel operatives at installation_
* _Removal of costs and material waste associated with assurance re-work._
* _Enriched tunnel asset data to optimise O&M for the operational railway._
* _carbon footprint reductions._
**_Focus areas_**
* _The main area of focus will be the demonstration of digital integration of A-TRIS into the construction railway environment to provide industry-wide benefits._
**_Innovation_**
_The build and demonstration of this software system will prove the ability to use automated robotic installation of M&E services within tunnels in a way that is fully integrated into the construction railway environment. This will enable significant cost efficiencies through digital assurance 'at the point of installation', and by enriching tunnel asset data to optimise O&M for the operational railway._
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| I3D ROBOTICS LTD | £199,325 | £ 199,325 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Richard French (Project Manager) |