The project, called Bots2Rec, aims to develop a multi-unit robotic system, consisting of a mobile platform and a robotic arm equipped with abrasive and suction tools, and a central vacuum and power supply system that will be controlled outside the contaminated area to monitor the asbestos removal work.
The Bots2Rec robots will be equipped with advanced radars that can navigate in environments with a high concentration of particles, and optical sensors capable of generating a detailed 3D image of the building where they are working. This technology "allows the machine to be controlled remotely and to carry out part of the process autonomously, thus avoiding human exposure to the material," explains Pepa Sedó, head of the Robotics unit at Eurecat.
In this regard, he explains, "the technology center contributes its expertise in process control systems to the project, enabling the integration of the machine with the control software."
Bots2Rec plans to develop two prototypes, the first of which has already been integrated and initially tested at Eurecat's facilities in Cerdanyola. The objective of the first prototype is "to carry out an intensive testing campaign to acquire the necessary knowledge about asbestos removal using robots," says Sedó. The second prototype will be available in September and could reach the market in three years.
According to Sedó, current dismantling processes "must be carried out manually by experienced operators and are regulated by a very strict safety protocol," which "slows down the process and makes it more expensive." To avoid these drawbacks, Bots2Rec's robotic solutions "will streamline the entire process, reducing the required man-hours by up to 50 percent," and "the total cost of asbestos decontamination will be between 30 and 60 percent cheaper," according to Daniel Martín, project manager at Eurecat's Robotics Unit.
The project involves seven European partners in the field of advanced research and has received funding from the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 program.
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