Air-powered abrasive blast equipment manufacturer Clemco Industries Corp. is now offering the SABRE Alpha 1, known as the world’s first autonomous blasting robot.
The system provides high-quality blasting with predefined parameters and precision control, according to the company, thus offering consistency and repeatability to users.
“Using the Alpha 1 removes the blast operator from the blast environment, thereby reducing the risk of operator injury and exposure to contamination associated with coating removal,” the company said in a news release.
The robot is particularly well suited for use on bridges, tanks, large marine projects, and in other confined space environments, Clemco said.
Robotic Arm with 3D Sensor
The Alpha 1 incorporates a six-degrees-of-freedom (6DOF) robotic arm equipped with a 3D sensor that can scan, map, and blast complex environments, thus removing human operators from the work space.
Clemco also noted that the robot could be used in blast rooms for applications with repetitive processes.
The autonomous robot uses 3D scans or CAD files to program itself, and it was designed with ease of installation, assembly, and reassembly in mind, Clemco said, adding that the system can be assembled or disassembled in minutes.
The robot weighs just 55 lb (24.9 kg), and it is small enough to be installed in areas with restricted access. The product was created for use in the field on industrial sites by blasters and painters without prior experience with robotics.
Recent Distribution Agreement
Clemco, known as a global manufacturer of blast solution products for contractor and industrial use across numerous industry sectors, is representing SABRE in markets throughout North America, South America, Europe, and Asia. To offer the Alpha 1 robot, Clemco recently finalized a distribution agreement with SABRE Autonomous Solutions, based in Revesby, Australia.
Founded in 2013, SABRE and its Alpha 1 technology represent the culmination of six years of collaborative research and development together with the University of Technology in Sydney, Australia, and the New South Wales Roads & Maritime Services state government authority in Sydney.
Already, two operational Alpha 1 systems are in place on the Sydney Harbour Bridge in Australia, according to SABRE officials.
For more information, contact: Clemco Industries, (636) 239-4300, www.clemcoindustries.com
