The prototype Automated Tunnel Robotic Installation System (ATRIS) replaces traditionally hazardous, labour-intensive and time-consuming techniques and can autonomously select brackets, locate where they need to be mounted along a tunnel wall, and install them.

Once fully-developed, the final system can be deployed in tunnel construction for a variety of sectors including transport, water and energy.

It is expected to increase productivity by 40% due to faster installation, reduce installation costs for new mechanical and electrical (M&E) systems by 30%, and cut construction plant movements by 40% to decrease embodied carbon.

The consortium behind the system includes Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd (TES), i3D robotics (i3D), the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC), Costain, and VVB Engineering.

The 22-month development project, partly funded by Innovate UK’s Smart grant, was led by TES, which developed the initial concept in partnership with the consortium.

Alan Worsley, Design and Project Manager at Tunnel Engineering Services (UK) Ltd said: “TES has over many years designed and manufactured Mechanised Tunnelling Machines and special purpose equipment for the construction industry.

“Over this time, innovation has been at the forefront of our business, and the need for automation in traditionally manual M&E fit-out techniques has led us to develop ATRIS and make it commercially viable for the market. We believe the system can offer a safer, more cost-effective and sustainable solution for future infrastructure projects.”

Lee Bateson, Mechanical and Engineering Manager and Robotics Lead at Costain, added: “Teaching the robots to learn seemingly simple tasks – such as how to avoid cross-threading the screws that go into the sockets – has been hugely fulfilling, thanks to the consortium’s collaborative spirit.

“Whether it’s carbon reduction, increasing productivity or improving workforce health and safety, this is transformative technology that will have enormous benefits for the customers that we build tunnels for.”