Revolutionary Robot Designed for Ship Inspection: The Wall Climbing Wonder

The wall climbing robot developed by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Sumitomo Heavy Industries, and MOL Ship Management has made waves in the maritime industry after successfully completing a demonstration test and earning the prestigious Nippon Kaiji Kyokai (ClassNK) Innovation Endorsement.

This innovative robot is designed to support ship inspection and maintenance by traversing not only vertical walls but also curved surfaces and uneven terrain. It can access high places that were previously inaccessible to humans or traditional robots, capturing clear photographs and conducting inspections with precision.

One of the key features of this robot is its ability to measure the thickness of steel plates with remarkable accuracy of 0.01mm through remote operation. This not only eliminates the risks associated with working at heights but also reduces labor costs and the need for scaffolding.

During a demonstration test in a vessel’s hold, the robot showcased its capabilities by navigating corners, acquiring wall inspection images, and measuring plate thickness – tasks that were previously challenging for conventional robots. ClassNK, a third-party certification program, observed the test and recognized the robot’s performance and technology.

With the Innovation Endorsement certification in the ‘Product & Solution’ category, the partners are now looking to further develop their ship operation and management technology, as well as enhance the performance and functionality of the robot. They aim to leverage detailed data obtained from the robot to drive digital transformation in the maritime industry.