Apparatus for use on a cable; and a system for and method of inspecting a cable

摘要

The invention relates to an apparatus for use on a cable, particularly to a power line or cable inspection and/or monitoring apparatus or robot. The apparatus typically comprises a power module to power the apparatus, a pair of links serially coupled via at least one joint, a gripper arrangement coupled to each link for attaching the apparatus to the cable, wherein each gripper arrangement is controllable to grip and/or release the cable as an end effector, and grip the cable as a base in a serial manipulator fashion; and a control arrangement configured at least to control displacement of the links and the gripper arrangements to grip and/or release the cable. The invention also extends to a method of inspecting and/or monitoring a cable; an inspection and/or monitoring system for inspecting a cable; and to a method of operating an apparatus on an elongate cable to avoid an obstacle.

主权项

1. An apparatus for use on a cable, the apparatus comprising:
a power module adapted to power the apparatus; at least one pair of links serially coupled via at least one joint such that the links are displaceable relative to each other; a gripper arrangement coupled to each link, the gripper arrangements being adapted for attaching the apparatus to the cable, wherein each gripper arrangement is controllable to grip and/or release the cable; a control arrangement comprising one or more processors configured at least to control displacement of the links and the gripper arrangements to grip and/or release the cable, in use; and one or more of inspection, monitoring, and maintenance systems.