Analysis:
Working in collaboration with UK-gas network SGN, ULC Technologies developed the all-electric robotic system to revolutionize the way that utility companies, energy networks and other industries carry out roadworks. The heart of the system is an industrial robotic manipulator along with a variety of end-of-arm tools that enable the system to autonomously perform all of the roadwork excavation and backfill operations.

The system starts by locating and mapping the target assets underground. It then cuts out a road core and excavates soil with a unique vacuum evaluation head. After the pipeline or cableway repairs are made, RRES helps to backfill the excavation, compress soil and replace the road surface core.

The system uses machine learning and vision guidance to position all of the tooling and to plan the entire excavation operation. RRES is a novel, automated solution to the everyday operations of roadworks departments around the world. – Mike Oitzman

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