Intelligent Automation, Inc. — Department of Transportation SBIR Phase I: 141FH3

Description

There is a need to develop new technologies that will robotically relocate existing overhead utilities to the subsurface within crowded rights-of-way in an accurate and safe manner, at an acceptable cost to the project’s owner, using construction methods such as Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD). Intelligent Automation, Inc. (IAI), in collaboration with The Louisiana Tech Trenchless Technology Center (TTC) and IDS North America (IDSNA) propose to develop the Robotic Utility Mapping and Installation System (RUMI). RUMI is a comprehensive solution that involves autonomous sensing, mapping, and robotically installing utilities with real time feedback. The key innovation of this proposed work will be a versatile robotic sensor platform that (1) maps existing utilities and (2) locates the drill head more accurately compared to a conventional walk-over system. We will leverage multimodal geophysical sensors, a robotic platform, and an innovative HDD drill head positioning system with look-ahead sensor to rapidly, safely, and accurately relocate overhead utilities to the subsurface in cluttered environments. The proposed system will be compatible with thousands of mini and midi size HDD rigs already in the market place, ensuring the rapid dissemination and positive impact of the proposed technology on the utility/construction industry.