Robots to inspect infrastructure to be sold in Japan will gradually increase in number, a private institute reported. The infrastructure ministry has started promotion of robotic technologies to be applied in infrastructure sectors such as bridges and tunnels this year and development in commercial basis will soon be undertaken followed by experimental operations. The number of robots to be put into market in fiscal 2014-2015 will reach 160 and 288 in fiscal 2016. The demand surge especially in robots for bridge inspection is projected to accelerate the trend, lifting the number to 1,005 in fiscal 2020.
Yano Research Institute Ltd. surveyed Japanese relevant businesses including makers, sales agents, research institutes, and industry groups. The report found that robotic technologies for infrastructure have been widely developed by companies from various industries such as construction and maintenance services, from venture businesses to large scaled companies. (2014/06/25)