AKA Robotics Magnetic Crawler robotic systems are engineered to efficiently and precisely remove dirt, paint, coatings, and other contaminants from a wide range of steel surfaces.
These robots are used by numerous industries for their superior performance in surface preparation tasks. From cleaning the hulls of ships to maintaining storage tanks, our robots excel in abrasive blasting, ultra-high-pressure (UHP) water blasting, subsea cleaning, and cargo hold cleaning.
Whether in maritime, industrial, or offshore environments, our robotic solutions ensure that steel surfaces are meticulously prepared for further processing, enhancing both the quality and longevity of the final product.
AKA Robotics Magnetic Crawler exemplifies how robotics is transforming industrial inspections by making them safer, smarter, and more efficient. Its combination of magnetic adhesion, mobility, sensor integration, and remote operation make it a versatile tool across industries reliant on ferromagnetic infrastructure.
The MCR is designed around a robust, low-profile chassis built from corrosion-resistant materials like aluminum alloys and stainless steel. The key feature of the robot’s mobility system is its permanent magnet or electromagnet-based adhesion mechanism, which enables it to cling securely to vertical or inverted ferromagnetic surfaces.
- Drive system: Typically uses brushless DC motors for precision and torque, coupled with rubber-coated wheels or tracks for surface grip.
- Magnetic adhesion: Controlled magnetic systems allow the crawler to toggle adhesion for movement versus detachment.
- Degree of Freedom: Most MCR variants support two degrees of freedom, including planar (X, Y) movement across surfaces.
Sensing and Data Acquisition
The MCR is equipped with a suite of sensors and instruments to perform Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and surface inspection:
- Ultrasonic Thickness Gauges (UTG): For measuring wall thickness to detect corrosion or erosion.
- High-resolution Cameras: For real-time video feed and defect visualization.
- Laser Profilometers: For surface topography mapping.
- IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): For orientation tracking and pose estimation.
- Encoder feedback: Ensures precise location awareness for repeatable inspections.
Sensor data is often logged onboard and transmitted in real-time via wireless communication (Wi-Fi, LTE, or proprietary RF links) to a remote operator console.
AKA Robotics’ MCR is particularly suited for:
- Storage Tank Inspection: Enables remote UT measurements on tank shells and roofs, even at elevated or hazardous locations.
- Ship Hull Maintenance: Assesses corrosion and structural damage in shipyards or dry docks.
- Bridge and Structural Steel Inspection: Allows safe inspection of tall or hard-to-reach ferromagnetic structures.
- Wind Turbines and Towers: Detects material defects and surface wear in wind turbine towers made of steel.
AKA Robotics: Magnetic Crawler Robot for blasting, inspection, cleaning, painting