Utilities robotics provider ULC Technologies is bringing its Robotics Roadworks and Excavation System (RRES) to the UK for the first time, carrying out live field trials on gas distribution company SGN’s network.
RRES is an all-electric robotic platform developed by ULC Technologies and SGN, it is designed to improve the way utility companies, energy networks, and other industries carry out roadworks. RRES combines below-ground locating sensors, AI, and machine learning to provide safer, faster, and smarter roadworks.
The platform was developed to overcome a wide range of challenges faced when conducting traditional utility excavations, including third-party damage, disruption to traffic, and carbon emissions. RRES provides an end-to-end process with less CO2 and a smaller physical footprint than traditional excavation methods to drive towards net-zero.
“The RRES will soon be operational in the UK and we will be training our operators to undertake extensive live field trials. We hope that these trials will show the capabilities of the system and the potential in expanding them for different industries,” said Ali Asmari, RRES project lead at ULC Technologies.
“We will be conducting the field trials to demonstrate the current capabilities of the system, and identify other challenges that stakeholders from other industries face to explore the opportunities for further tool development.”
Read more: ‘World’s first’ robotic roadworks excavation system showcased