Commercialisation and broader roll-out across John Holland’s infrastructure projects are on the horizon if this robotic dog comes to heel.
Aptly named after the canine pet in the 1960’s sci-fi cartoon series The Jetsons, Astro sends real-time data to nearby crew to support safer work in confined spaces.
The robotic dog is equipped with video, radar, and an integrated sensor package, cloud technology, and 5G connectivity to reduce human exposure to hazardous conditions. It navigates high-risk and difficult to reach environments such as underground structures and tunnels.
Astro was developed as a proof of concept by Telstra Enterprise and muru-D, the company’s innovation hub, along with technology partner Ericom which designed the sensors.
In collaboration with John Holland, Astro went underground on Melbourne’s Metro Tunnel Project for the trial. The robot successfully gathered and transmitted IoT-enabled environmental data before workers entered confined areas, showing its potential as a frontline safety tool.
Steve Butcher, managing director for rail and transport at John Holland, said the company is always looking for ways to improve safety on its worksites.
“This trial demonstrates how technology can help keep our people out of harm’s way while still giving us the insights we need to deliver major projects in a more safe, efficient way,” he said.
“We see enormous potential for solutions like this to transform how the industry approaches confined-space safety. This trial is an important first step in a journey towards a scalable IoT-enabled solution.”
The robot’s trial was so successful, Inside Construction reported that John Holland is exploring commercialisation of the robotic dog and its broader rollout potential for other infrastructure projects, if operational and commercial models align.
Image: Astro and John Holland crew on the Melbourne Metro Tunnel project. Credit: Mighty Films.
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Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com