AmcoGiffen to pioneer robot-constructed tunnels in rail sector

Aaron Morby 2 years ago
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Contractor AmcoGiffen has signed an exclusive use deal to use an innovative robot-construction tunnel method in the rail sector.

Using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) a series of bore pipes are drilled in the geology to form the outline of the tunnel. With precision accuracy, a number of semi-autonomous robots move throughout the inside of the bores to create the structural shell of the tunnel using swarming techniques.
Using horizontal directional drilling (HDD) a series of bore pipes are drilled in the geology to form the outline of the tunnel. With precision accuracy, a number of semi-autonomous robots move throughout the inside of the bores to create the structural shell of the tunnel using swarming techniques.

HyperTunnel technology employs an automated construction method that builds tunnels more than 10 times faster and at half the cost of conventional techniques.

Using swarm construction methods according to a digital twin of the tunnel, a fleet of ‘hyperBot’ robots enter the ground via an arch of plastic pipes.

Once inside, the robots 3D-print the tunnel shell by deploying construction material directly into the ground.

Under the exclusive distributor agreement, AmcoGiffen will have exclusive rights to use hyperTunnel technology for all enhancements, repair, rehabilitation and monitoring of underground spaces, slopes and track bed infrastructure.  

HyperTunnel launched exclusive distributor licensing agreements last year to provide engineering contractors the opportunity to differentiate themselves by offering hyperTunnel technologies exclusively within certain applications, sectors and territories.  

Dave Thomas, Operations Director at AmcoGiffen added: “We are convinced that the future of maintaining underground structures lies in robotics and automation.

“AmcoGiffen is equipped and ready to partner with hyperTunnel to pioneer its approaches in the UK rail sector while being fully aware of the challenges that may lie ahead for an early adopter of such exciting technology.

“This exclusive contract represents a significant business opportunity for AmcoGiffen and reflects our long-term ambition to lead innovation in the UK rail sector.”  

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