Public Funding for Hausbots Limited

HausBots seeks to drastically de-risk industrial storage tank inspection, via a cost-efficient, wall climbing robot that generates 3D visual representations of hazardous, industrial confined spaces. Inspection of industrial assets such as storage tanks is expensive and dangerous. If work at height is involved, then scaffolding, rope access or platforms need to be used for access. Use of this equipment can often incur ~50% of project costs in rental or lease, which can regularly be in the region of +£100k for inspections. Furthermore, confined spaces can present issues such as chemical exposure risk, therefore subject to strict health and safety regulations. In this project, HausBots focuses on internal and external non-ferrous tank inspections, where existing state-of-the-art solutions either do not function, or have a limited capacity. To enable this, HausBots will redesign the existing HB1 robot, which uses a patent pending 'downward force' technique that allows a robot to climb vertical or horizontal surfaces, of any material type. Adaptations will produce HB1800, a miniaturisation of existing HB1 technology, allowing the robot to adhere to a smaller diameter of storage tank (1800mm+), along with integration of state-of-the-art ultrasonic thickness measurement sensors and 3D visualisation camera feeds. In addition, HausBots will develop custom asset visualisation software, enabling clients to inspect assets 3D, and combine both visual data and ultrasonic data in an online portal of the inspected tank. Project outputs are expected to: * Reduce working at height, leading to cost-efficiency gains and improve safety * Reduce workplace deaths and injuries associated with entering confined spaces * Allow cost-efficient, frequent inspections, further de-risking industrial operational environments

HausBots Limited, a Birmingham based SME is focused on developing transformative wall-climbing, paint applicator technology, that disrupts project delivery within the painting, decorating and damp proofing industries. Painting is the 5th most dangerous job in the UK, with Painters at risk of falling from height and experiencing health conditions, including repetitive strain injury and contact dermatitis as well as long term exposure to hazardous materials. With application methods barely changed since paint was invented, painting is time consuming, labour intensive and dependant on height access equipment. HausBots will change this, with their robots significantly de-risking paint and damp proofing application, disrupting the industry through safer, cost effective methods. This project accelerates the development of their world-first solution, exploring hardware and software enhancements covering precision painting to deliver safety, productivity and financial advantages to Painters, Contractors and Clients.