US firm R Brooks has released a robot that can be used to inspect, characterize and clean industrial piping systems. The robot, known as Navigator, is equipped with a colour camera, non-contact laser scanning measurement capabilities and multiple contingency end effectors with abilities ranging from gripping and scraping to suction. With a payload capacity of 20lbs, Navigator can transport other forms of NDT equipment, including Eddy Current, Ultrasonics and Liquid Penetrant.
The robot can traverse piping systems vertically as well as horizontally and maneuver in pipe elbows, all without a loss of speed or payload capacity.
Navigator works in conjunction with Component Information Systems a revolutionary data management system offered by Brooks. CIS allows inspection results to be captured and reviewed from anywhere in the world via secured network access.
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