Aero-Blaster: The First Aerial Robot for Surface Preparation using Bristle Blaster Technology
Aerial Robots have the potential to revolutionize the maintenance of remote infrastructures. One of the main maintenance tasks in Surface Preparation. The Aero-Blaster project investigates the possibilities and limitations of realizing the Aero-Blaster, an aerial robot with Bristle Blaster technology for surface preparation.
Although drones appear to be very promising to synergize with the Bristle Blaster in order to realize the Aero-Blaster, there are a number of challenges that emanate from the dynamic interaction between the two systems that have considerably different orders of dynamics and distinct general properties. In addition, the required pose and interaction force precision and motion profile to carry out effective blasting is daunting. Therefore, phased, and iterative applied research is required to investigate the possibilities and limitations of realizing the Aero-Blaster.Is it possible to realize the first proof-of-concept of the Aero-Blaster using (without major modification of) Monti’s Bristle Blaster and a typical Multi-Rotor Aerial Robot? and what are limitations?
Is it possible to realize an Aero-Blaster robot for Surface preparation at high altitudes?
Project Approach
Considering that this is the first phase of this project, this report will focus on the investigation of the first phase. Therefore, the main research question in this first phase is:
Is it possible to realize the first proof-of-concept of the Aero-Blaster using (without major modification of) Monti’s Bristle Blaster and a typical Multi-Rotor Aerial Robot? and what are limitations?
This project is funded by TechForFuture.
Results
The first proof-of-concept of the Aero-Blaster robot was designed and realized. The research team have investigated and identified the limitations of this concept. The robot is able to stably and reliably interact with the surface of interest and activate the bristle blaster system to perform the surface preparation task.
On the other hand, the innovation management of this project was also investigated using the Technology Innovation Process (TIP) framework.
Partners
