IDEA #8BVRWB General wall climbing robots with multiple suction chambers and elastic sealing to traverse gaps on vertical surfaces. 25A0010

Key Words: Robot, Inspection The purpose of the General-Wall-Climbing-Robot (GWCR) is to provide a safer, more efficient, and accurate solution for inspecting and maintaining concrete structures, especially in hard-to-reach or hazardous areas. Its utility lies in its ability to reduce the risks and costs associated with manual inspections, speed up the process, and ensure more reliable, precise and consistent data collection. In general terms, the GWCR automates tasks that would otherwise require human workers to operate in dangerous or difficult environments, such as tall buildings, bridges, or industrial facilities. It minimizes human involvement in risky operations, cuts down on expensive equipment, and saves time by inspecting large areas more quickly. In addition, its advanced sensors provide accurate real-time data which improving the quality of inspections and enabling long-term monitoring for early problem detection. Infrastructure Inspection including: Bridge Piers: Inspecting the submerged or elevated sections of bridge piers that are difficult for traditional inspection methods, especially in areas with harsh weather conditions or water. Wind Turbines: Wind turbines, especially at height, require regular inspections. The GWCR could climb the vertical surfaces of the towers and blades, detecting cracks, corrosion, and structural weaknesses. Oil Storage Tanks: These large, cylindrical tanks can be challenging to inspect due to their size and height. The GWCR can easily climb them to check for leaks, corrosion, and structural damage. High-Rise Buildings: For building facades and external surfaces, particularly in cities with high-rise structures, the robot could perform regular maintenance inspections, detecting cracks, material degradation, or issues with external systems like windows. Dams: The surfaces of dams, especially in hard-to-reach places, can be checked using the GWCR to ensure they are structurally sound and free from erosion.