“Autonomous Air-ground Cooperative Tunnel Inspector” invented in Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project received a Silver Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024
Date of Award: 19/04/2024
In the Trunk Road T2 and Cha Kwo Ling Tunnel project, the Civil Engineering and Development Department co-developed an "Autonomous Air-ground Cooperative Tunnel Inspector " with Hyder-Meinhardt Joint Venture and the Hong Kong Productivity Council. This system received a Silver Medal at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions Geneva 2024. This system integrates artificial intelligence, multi-robot systems and LiDAR-based positioning technology to automatically carry out defect detection on tunnel internal structures such as thermal barriers, vitreous enamel (VE) panels and road pavement in tunnel environments where satellite positioning signal are unavailable. The invention not only significantly reduces overall inspection costs and time, but also minimises working at height, thereby enhancing site safety. Furthermore, it provides big data for future tunnel quality monitoring systems, facilitating the advancement of automation and intelligent upgrades within the construction industry.
