3D Printed Inspection Robot

Power lines are one of the most critical parts of modern infrastructure. To ensure that the countless miles of lines that weave across the country are in good working order, utility companies employ robots to glide along the them inspecting for damage.

Unfortunately, most robots that do this type of work are very expensive, but a new design created by Nick Morozvsky, a mechanical engineering grad student at UC San Diego, could significantly reduce the cost of such machines.

Named the SkySweeper, Nick’s robot is made from “off-the-shelf” electronics and a 3D-printed mechanical clamp that attaches itself to a power line. To move along the length of the line, the Sky Sweeper is built like an elbow, and its motorized joint allows the robot to move in an “inch worm” like manner. To maneuver around power line poles, the SkySweepers clamp can be opened at any time, giving the robot the ability to perform an acrobatic maneuver around the obstacle, attaching itself to the new line section without touching the guide pole.

Morozovsky believes that his SkySweeper could be an affordable solution to help maintain vital infrastructure and says that when built in mass the SkySweeper could cost as little at $1,000.

Watch a Video of the Robot in Action:

Image Courtesy of UC San Diego