Robot dog to survey banks of England’s highways

National Highways is integrating a robotic dog into its survey operations alongside its road network to enhance data collection and safety during geotechnical surveys. The robot, known as Spot from Boston Dynamics, is being tested in collaboration with Bam Ritchies and AECOM in various South West locations.

This innovative approach utilises Spot’s capabilities to remotely gather data in areas that are challenging to access due to their terrain or obstructions, such as steep embankments, areas under dense vegetation, culverts, and beneath bridges and other structures. This method not only offers a safer alternative for geotechnical inspectors but is also more cost-effective, especially in environments where traditional access methods pose significant challenges.

Spot was rigorously evaluated last summer at the National Highways’ Development Centre in Moreton-in-Marsh, demonstrating its proficiency across a range of highway scenarios, different ground conditions, and earthworks with varying gradients and materials.

National Highways is currently conducting live trials with this remote technology in the South West to fully assess its capabilities. The first of these trials took place alongside the M5 in Somerset, where Spot was equipped with cameras and a Leica lidar tracker. Further tests are planned throughout the year to explore the robot’s utility in other geotechnical surveys.

Guy Swains, an engineering manager in National Highways’ South West Geotechnical team, expressed optimism about the initial testing phase and the potential for Spot to be integrated into future surveying work, especially in challenging locations. The technology was specifically deployed to assist with the St Georges railway bridge project on the M5, revealing geotechnical defects that necessitated a detailed visual inspection.

The ongoing trials aim to evaluate Spot’s performance across diverse terrains and conditions to enhance safety and operational efficiency. Results from these trials will inform the potential broader application of this technology in National Highways’ future projects.

AECOM, collaborating with National Highways and Bam Ritchies, is ensuring the trials are comprehensive and reflective of real-world constraints. James Codd from AECOM highlighted the significance of integrating Spot into geotechnical asset management, emphasizing the benefits for inspector safety and the potential to minimise disruptions during surveys.

This initiative is part of National Highways’ broader efforts, in partnership with the ARUP/AECOM consortium, to incorporate remote survey techniques more effectively into its geotechnical asset management practices, aiming to improve safety and efficiency in highway maintenance and inspection processes.

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