Page 16 - Gi flipbook_May 2019

MACHINE LEARNING

THE RRES

Program Manager at ULC Robotics Ali Asmari explains in robotics, ground sensing and object
the collaborative effort behind the Robotic Roadworks detection, methods for cutting road
and Excavation System (RRES) surfaces along with the creation of Soft
Touch Excavation technology are being
achieved, plus the development and
n 2018, SGN and ULC Robotics began activities and excavations in both urban implementation of new intellectual
a collaborative innovation project and rural environments. property on behalf of the GB gas
through Ofgem’s Network Innovation The RRES is being developed to consumer.
Competition (NIC) funding replace conventional, labour-intensive Fundamentally, the system combines
I mechanism to develop a Robotic and environmentally costly methods an industrial robotic arm, custom
Roadworks & Excavation System (RRES). of excavation performed daily by gas chassis and tracks, sensors for above
The system fuses advanced robotics networks. Traditional techniques and below ground locating, AI and
and artificial intelligence (AI) to disrupt traffic and can uncover or control software and a suite of specially
improve efficiency and safety and cause damage to unmarked third-party designed tooling. The RRES team is
lower the environmental impact and utility infrastructure, such as electricity developing the system to be powered
cost of utility excavations. This large- cables, leading to injury to operatives, by a 35kW lithium iron phosphate
scale innovation project is a first of loss of supply and disruption to (LiFePO₄) battery system to virtually
its kind and seeks to change the way customers. Under the project, eliminate its carbon footprint – making
utilities currently undertake street work significant learning and advancements RRES a truly green vehicle. The LiFePO₄

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