A snake-like robot for internal inspection of complex pipe structures (PIKo)

Abstract

This paper presents a mechanism for navigating complex pipe structures, both horizontally and vertically. The mechanism consists of a series of identical modules interconnected by two degree of freedom active joints. A set of active wheels on each module provides propulsion. Horizontal motion is achieved through a train-like scheme, while vertical motion is achieved through spanning the pipe alternatingly with the modules. The design and the capability of horizontal and vertical motion is validated through experiments. Â© 2009 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.