Crawler Tech Tips: Using Laser Lines
When deploying a robotic crawler to conduct your remote visual inspection, it’s important that the results that you produce are as precise as possible.
Laser lines allow inspectors using robotic crawlers for RVI to gauge object size and distance and better assess anomalies.
Inuktun tech specialist Jeff Christopherson describes the laser lines as a high-tech ruler. “The laser lines in essence project a ruler onto an object so that you can measure the size of that object,” he explains.
The laser lines are spaced exactly 30 millimetres apart and remain that width regardless of how far the object is from the camera, Christopherson says. “So by casting two bright indicators 30 millimetres apart on an object, you can estimate the size.”
The laser lines can help inspectors to assess the size of anomalies discovered during an inspection, allowing them to evaluate the scope of potential problems.
Laser lines can also be used to gauge distance, explains Christopherson. “The lines will appear to fill the video monitor when cast on a nearby object but will appear very small on a distant object. This information can be used to evaluate the size of an unknown area such as an underground tunnel or mine void, or the distance to an underwater object.”
Many Inuktun products, such as the Versatrax 450 crawler system and the Spectrum 90 and Spectrum 120 cameras, can be customized to include laser lines.
One Inuktun customer used the laser lines to gauge the size of an abandoned underground mine, says Christopherson. The company used the Spectrum 90 camera to complete a detailed investigation of the mine, allowing their client to redevelop the property at a fraction of the cost.
Jason De Silveira, founder and CEO of Nexxis Technology, has always had a sharp focus on robotics, education, and real-world solutions. Throughout his career, he’s stayed committed to pushing the boundaries of robotics and helping industries strengthen their approach to asset integrity and robotic inspection.
With a background in operations, commissioning, and start-ups of new facilities, Jason leads Nexxis with a hands-on understanding of what real projects demand. Under his leadership, Nexxis has become known for developing innovative robotic systems that deliver better data, boost safety, and take the risks out of confined space and working-at-height inspections.
What makes Jason stand out? A passion for innovation, a proven ability to bring people together, and a genuine drive to help clients get the right solution — not just an off-the-shelf fix. With a strong focus on customisation and future-ready technology, he’s helping to shape the next generation of robotics.
