Bike

Mobile inspection and maintenance robotics is a fast growing industrial market. One of the main advantages of mobile robots is that they can reach locations inaccessible by humans because of size constraints, temperature, immersion in liquids or safety reasons. Certified and experienced engineers today enter and “look” at the predefined locations to take pictures for reporting. Beside very expensive organizational issues such as watchmen and ventilation this procedure is very dangerous for the experts.

 

In this framework, the BIKE inspection robot has been developed. The BIKE platform is a magnetic wheeled robot capable of inspecting power plant facilities and multiple applications in the oil&gas industry, such as vessel or pipe inspection.

 

With the BIKE platform Inspection Robotics has realized a truly ultra-mobile inspection platform. Where existing inspection crawlers are reaching their limits in terms of accessibility and maneuverability the BIKE platform is just beginning to perform.

High mobility

Ability to climb vertical walls, inside and outside pipe structures and pass over complex combinations of convex and concave step obstacles.

 

Lightweight & Compact

With a total weight of less than 10 kg it can be deployed through a 12” (300mm) man-way. Operation on outside pipe starts at 15″ pipes (400mm).

Modular & Versatile

Can be equipped with inspection technology such as pan-tilt cameras or NDT sensors, allowing the operator to use the equipment he already has.

Technical Data

The BIKE platform is an advanced robotic inspection & maintenance platform for hard-to-reach areas. Depending on the task it can be equipped with different modules to perform an inspection from a safe & remote location.

UT module

  • Remote Ultrasonic Thickness gauge
  • Dual crystal probe for accurate thickness measurement, actuated remotely by couplant pressure
  • UT spot checks in confined spaces or on elevated structures

TZ1 HD

  • Advanced Inspection Camera
  • The Full HD Inspection camera comes with tilt and 10x optical zoom. It can be mounted in several positions and is fully integrated in the Control Software
  • HD Remote Visual Inspection

Digital Camera Carrier

  • Remote Visual Inspection
  • Attachments for borescopes and cameras of most brands – Boroscopes / Mentor Visual iQ / Inuktun Spectrum 45 / Wöhler VIS 700
  • Detailed close-up inspection and measurements

Remote Arm

  • Remote manipulation
  • This development enables the inspector to remotely deploy additional tools. Tools could be LED light to create shadow effects or additional sensors for inspection
  • Deploy more

Coating Option​

  • Inspection on delicate or coated surfaces
  • Rubber coated wheels can be combined with additional field magnets to drive on coated surfaces (up to 3mm)
  • Inspection of coated assets without damaging surface

 

Case Study

From confined space inspection to working at height, the BIKE can be used to solve various inspection tasks.

Here is a brief introduction about most common customer use cases.

Confined Space

Remote detailed inspection in confined spaces through manways or nozzles with a minimum diameter of 300mm / 12″

 

Elevated pipes

Close-up inspection and measurements for pipes at elevation. UT spot readings at bends, reducers and around welds

 

Corrosion Mapping

Use 3D structure light technology as digital pit gage to accurately map and size surface pitting. Thousands of data points are measured and evaluated automatically.

Product Information Sheet