Robotic Crawlers & Tractors

A robot or robotic crawler is a semi-autonomous or autonomous instrument that uses tracks or wheels to move across a surface. It’s equipped with various sensory devices, including those for NDT, lighting, cameras and video recorders. They’re typically used to inspect pipelines, ducts, tanks, confined spaces and any environment that’s difficult for humans to enter or are in hazardous locations. 

Crawler robots move via wheels or tracks that gain traction on the surface below. Some of them have magnetic properties (in the case of assets made of metal). Depending on the type, they might be operated remotely by a human, by a computer programme or – in the case of the most advanced robot crawlers – the move towards true autonomy is coming ever closer. This is afforded by intelligent sensors that can ‘see’ and react to obstacles and carry out the appropriate manoeuvres to negotiate them. 

They’re typically used for inspections of areas that are complex, dangerous for human entry and/or have toxic atmospheres. They’re fitted with equipment, such as CCTV, sensors, NDT equipment and HD video and image capture, all of which is relayed back to the operator/base station/computer program for interpretation. Some examples of where they’re used include: 

• Pipeline inspection. 
• Infrastructure inspection. 
• Asset inspection, such as tanks, reactor pressure vessels, mine shafts, railroad and truck tank cars etc. 
• Security and surveillance. 

Some of the biggest benefits are: 

• Enhanced data capture, thanks to the uniformity of distance that cameras and NDT equipment is from the surface of the asset. CCTV crawlers and robots can negotiate complex environments, covering up to 100% of the asset surface. They also remove the risk of human error.  
• Increased safety, thanks to being able to enter non-oxygen atmospheres and confined spaces. Removing humans from the equation negates virtually all the risks of such hazardous activities. 
• Can be cheaper than human-led inspections. Introducing a CCTV tractor camera unit into a high-risk environment requires far less asset preparation and reduces the amount of time the inspection takes. This means a significantly shorter offline period, therefore the associated downtime costs are (often dramatically) decreased. 

Images and video can be captured in real-time, lighting can be directed and intensified on areas of interest and defects can be noted and mapped. All this information is recorded and can be compared against previous and future CCTV crawler inspections. 

Yes, and it’s one of the greatest advantages that they offer. For example, robot crawlers can work in extremes of temperature, non-oxygen atmospheres, within ex-rated areas, at height or where there’s a risk of toxic gases. They remove the need for humans to enter such locations, thus increasing health and safety. They’re used in multiple industries, including mining, oil & gas, nuclear, power generation, petrochemical, infrastructure and more. 

Nexxis offer a wide range or robot crawlers to suit virtually every inspection and NDT task. From wheeled CCTV tractor cameras to the latest bespoke units with varying payloads to attach every type of NDT unit, we stock both off-the-shelf crawlers and work with innovative robotic companies to tailor-make solutions for even the most complex inspection tasks. 

Yes, all our assets come with full training as to how to operate them. We also provide ongoing instruction, if it’s needed, during the complete lease or rental period.  

We certainly can – it’s something we specialise in. The Nexxis design team has close links with some of the most advanced robotic companies in the world, with engineers who can tailor-design a solution for robotic cameras and CCTV crawler units to be able to negotiate even the toughest environments.  

While an outright purchase can be right in some cases, renting or leasing from Nexxis offers some distinct advantages. These include: 

• Not having to worry about equipment maintenance – we take care of it throughout the lifetime of the rental. 
• Take advantage of the latest technology – easily upgrade when the next iteration is released. 
• Get ongoing technical support and training whenever needed. 
• Spread the cost over time, making it easier to budget and increasing your cash flow. 
• Easily change the equipment should your inspection and NDT requirements change.