Home page
Industries
Building ships and boats
Applications
Cables & motor technology for autonomous inspection boat

Autonomous inspection boat

Precise depth measurements with igus® components

Art Robotics is a Belgian tech start-up active in the fields of robotics, IoT and AI. For its client "Port of Antwerp-Bruges", the company was commissioned to create the system for an autonomous inspection boat called "Echodrone". This should be able to carry out a variety of depth measurements to ensure safe passage for shipping. It is a self-propelled system that can navigate to the desired inspection sites. You can find out about the special features and challenges of this order in this application report.

Profile

What was needed: DC motor and data cable
Requirements: An autonomous inspection boat requires components that are resilient and maintenance-free. The products must also be able to withstand the harsh conditions in the harbour.
Industry: Boats
Success for the customer: Our DC motors offer a reliable solution that is also particularly space-saving without a motor flange and coupling. The fully shielded chainflex® data cable can also withstand extreme trade show conditions.

More application examples

Products used

Direct-current motor with planetary gear

CF112 data cable

Electric motor product finder

Still looking for the right electric motor? Use our product finder

To the product finder

Problem

A special system was required for precise depth measurement. A sound velocity profiler (SVP) had to be positioned close to the seabed. As the Echodrone is an unmanned vessel, an additional system is required to automatically bring the sensor to the exact depth target and retrieve it again. The Art Robotics team was to accompany the entire development process from the concept to the finished system.

The inspection boat should also be designed to withstand all the climatic conditions it is exposed to in the harbour. This also includes the ability to manoeuvre in adverse weather conditions. Tasks should be carried out autonomously, including navigating the harbour area and collecting and transmitting information. A reliable and secure communication link is therefore very much in demand.

Solution

With the help of igus® components, Art Robotics developed a customised solution for the use of the Echodrone in the Port of Antwerp-Bruges. This solution consists of high-quality chainflex® cables and the drylin® E DC motor. The developed system enables automatic depth measurements, fast positioning of the sound velocity profiler and remote configuration via a special software application. The modular design also enables quick and easy disassembly of the components for maintenance purposes.

The chainflex® data cables from igus® are flexible and robust and ensure a reliable power supply for the Echodrone during operation. They protect the cables from external influences such as dirt or moisture, thereby preventing possible failures or damage. The drylin® E DC motor used has a Protect protective housing and has protection class IP41. This makes it more resistant to external influences and also protects it from vertical dripping water. Together, these components contribute to a precise system and can withstand the demanding requirements of the harbour.

Further application examples

Offshore robot for tough environments

Norwegian company Remotion is a manufacturer of robotic systems for the offshore oil and gas industry. Using magnetic technology, the robots work both below and above the waterline, performing dangerous operations such as inspecting, cleaning or repairing structures.

Go to application

3D printer for concrete l Lubrication-free solution for dusty environment

The use of cement creates a high level of dust load in the 3D concrete printer, which the products have to withstand. Furthermore, the longest possible service life and fast maintenance are required. Our bearing solutions and lubrication-free toothed belt axes ensure a long service life despite dirt load.

Go to application

Special measurement setup with lead screw axis, motor & control system

Research and development in the field of sustainability requires innovative, cost-effective solutions that are suitable for cleanrooms. Our lubrication-free linear axes with lead screw drive, in combination with the motor and control system, ensure a cost-effective, turnkey solution.

Go to application

Drive technology in an order picking unit

Electric drive technology in an automated positioning system

Unlike traditional recirculating ball bearing systems, drylin® linear plain bearings operate on sliding elements. This application overview shows you a wide spectrum of applications for maintenance-free linear guide systems from the drylin® product range.

Go to application

Linear axis for precision, clearance-free welding seam bend testing device

Munsch Kunststoff-Schweißtechnik GmbH uses lubrication-free linear axes and linear bearings from our drylin® product range for its weld seam bend testing equipment. The testing device was part of a practical project by trainees at the company. The testing device works so well that it's now entering series production.

Go to application

Lubrication-free linear axis for automated cocktail mixer

With the “CocktailAvenue”, a start-up company in Friedrichshafen has invented a completely new way of mixing cocktails, leaving the task for a machine. Automation technology thus opens up a new, albeit rather exotic, area of application.

Go to application