Hibot delivers the first inspection robot Float Arm to BASF Antwerpen
(Tokyo, Oct 12, 2023) Hibot Corp., an innovative robotics start-up and pioneer of the RaaS (Robot as a Service) model for the inspection and maintenance of industrial infrastructure, completed the delivery of the first commercial unit of its robotic system Float Arm to BASF Antwerpen. The robot was developed for remote inspection of pipe racks, tanks and other confined spaces that are difficult or hazardous to reach.
Float Arm is a long-reach manipulator with multiple links that can operate in confined spaces with obstacles (such as pressure vessel tanks and pipe racks), performing highly-detailed inspection where human entrance is severely limited, or event prohibited, due to safety concerns. Due to the modularity and light weight of the robot, inspection time and costs can be drastically cut by reducing the need for scaffolding almost to zero. Float Arm is equipped with a high-definition inspection camera, multiple navigation cameras, 3D sensors and ultrasonic probes for wall thickness measurements. This array of sensors is continuously in expansion, with other techniques such as X-Ray and CUI under validation.
|
|
BASF Antwerpen is spearheading the testing and introduction of innovative methods to improve infrastructure inspection and maintenance, with Float Arm being one of the newest robotic tools in their portfolio. As early adopters of the robotic platform offered by hibot, BASF Antwerpen will benefit from technical upgrades and training. The first team of operators has already completed training and been certified by hibot. “Hibot's expertise and tailored approach to our specific needs ensured that our team received comprehensive and effective training. We are confident that these skills will help us to improve efficiency and safety in our operations”, mentioned Robin Guldentops, Asset Manager of BASF Antwerpen.
|
“We are very happy with this collaboration with BASF Antwerpen” said Michele Guarnieri, co-founder and CEO of hibot. “They are forging a new path by testing and adopting new technologies that will have a tremendous impact in the way inspection and maintenance are carried out. By taking risks and developing know-how, BASF Antwerpen and hibot are working together as pioneers in this field, transforming into reality what used to be considered impossible or impractical only a few years ago.”
About hibot
Established in 2004, hibot is a robotics start-up originating from within the Tokyo Institute of Technology, committed to realizing a safer and more sustainable world by creating new trends in infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Hibot develops and utilizes AI-powered remotely controlled robots that allow human beings to be removed from dirty, dangerous or demanding working environments. Hibot’s robots have been applied in search and rescue missions, and have been used during decommissioning work at Japan’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
CEO: Michele Guarnieri
For more information, see www.hibot.co.jp
Contact:
Takeyuki Iijima, Takuya Takenokuchi
Telephone: +81 (0)3 5791 7526
E-mail: press@hibot.co.jp
For product sales and rentals, please get in touch with this inquiry form.