Confined Space Inspection

Project Description and Services Provided

Amentum deployed a tracked remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to conduct a proof-of-concept inspection within a confined space underneath a motorway bridge. The objective was to demonstrate how robotic systems can safely and effectively replace manual confined-space entry for structural inspection of reinforced concrete. The scope included validating ROV mobility, LiDAR scanning, performing tap-testing to detect delamination and cracking, and assessing compatibility with future NDT technologies such as Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and Ultrasonic Testing (UT).

Challenges Faced

The team faced challenges including confined-space entry risks, complex internal geometry and terrain, requiring delicate remote operation techniques, the need for future NDT integration, and navigating obstacles up to approximately 320 mm in height. In addition, the project faced budgetary limitations due to client requirements which restricted the team’s options in terms of available robotic platforms and time.

Solutions and Outcome

Amentum deployed a tracked ROV equipped with a tap-testing device that could be activated remotely. This was used to prove that an NDT device could be attached in the future to collect data indicating potential structural defects. The ROV successfully navigated the confined cavity and overcame a ~320 mm baffle approximately 10m away. This proved feasibility for future advanced NDT payloads, improved operational safety by eliminating human entry, and delivered inspection data more efficiently than traditional methods.

• Reduced confined-space entry risks by eliminating the need for personnel entry.

• Platform supports future NDT integration including GPR and UT.

• 3D LiDAR scans of the environment for data extraction and measurements.

• Successfully traverses complex environments, including 320 mm tall obstacles.