Design of electromagnetic wheels for marine engineering and its applications

• Main Author: Liang, Mark Rujie
• Other Authors: Xie Ming
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Engineering; Marine; Underwater; Wall-climbing vehicle
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/181845
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The increasing demand for efficient and safe inspection, maintenance, and repair of maritime structures, such as ship hulls, offshore oil platforms, storage tanks and wind farm operations has driven the development of advanced robotic solutions. This paper presents a design and implementation of an electromagnetic wheel/ chassis equipped with HD underwater stereo camera. The application of robotic technology in the maritime industry presents significant economic advantages. Traditional inspection and maintenance tasks in maritime environments typically involve costly and time-consuming processes, such as scaffolding, cranes, or even divers for underwater tasks. Those methods not only incur high labour and equipment costs but also expose workers to hazardous conditions. By contrast, our design and technology can offer a cost-effective alternative, reducing the need for extensive manual labour and minimizing downtime during inspections or repairs. The robot’s ability to operate autonomously or under remote control further reduces the risks associated with human intervention in dangerous environments. The development of the controllable electromagnetic wheels for maritime industry applications presents a promising solution to the industry's growing need for safer, more efficient, and economically viable maintenance and inspection methods. By leveraging advanced electromagnetic wheel technology, the robot offers reliable performance in challenging environments, significantly reducing operational costs and enhancing the safety and reliability of maritime structures. This paper details the design considerations, technical challenges, and potential economic impact of the proposed system, underscoring its relevance and potential contribution to the future of maritime industry operations.