A first-of-its kind robot is being fitted to the tunnel boring machines which will be used to create the 16km long Chiltern tunnels. As reported by NCE last month, tunnellers from HS2’s main works contractor Align are braced to begin work on the tunnel.
The Krokodyl robot will act in a similar manner to the robotic arms used in a car factory production line, will carry out simple repetitive tasks – removing wooden spacers between tunnel segments and inserting connection dowels – that people would normally do.
Each of the tunnel segments weighs up to 8t and are delivered to the TBM with wooden spacers between them which are generally removed by hand. By fully automating this process, the Krokodyl removes the need for people to work in this potentially hazardous area and helps with the installation of the 112,000 tunnel segments.
The tunnel segments are erected – as the TBM moves forward – in order to form a structural water tight ring designed to support the ground loads. A second feature of the robot then places the dowels into position ready for the segment to be slotted into place. Again, by automating this process, the robot reduces risk to people and improve safety and efficiency.
