Submersible, Magnetic Robot Performs Hull Inspections

Canadian company Deep Trekker has launched a new inspection vehicle at Nor-Shipping 2017: the Deep Trekker DT640 Utility Crawler, the first three-wheeled vehicle of its kind.

Equipped with an HD camera, magnetic wheels and a multitude of application specific add-ons, the Utility Crawler can perform an array of tasks, making it versatile and easy to deploy at a moment’s notice, the manufacturer said.

The Utility Crawler, designed and built by Deep Trekker, is submersible to 50 meters, and houses its own onboard batteries, making deployment easy and quick for tasks such as contraband inspections and testing hull integrity or thickness. Magnetic wheels and various add-ons permit diverse applications such as scraping away marine growth or power washing the hull or examining for invasive species while in port. The Utility Crawler has both military and municipality applications as well.  

With magnetic wheels, the DT640 Utility MagCrawler can crawl along vertical angles to inspect the integrity of ship’s hulls even underwater. Instead of dry-docking or returning to shore, crew can immediately inspect the hull if they fear something is wrong, via the live video on the handheld controller. 

When entering ports, authorities or crew can quickly check areas of interest for contraband, invasive species or security threats. 

Outfit the DT640 Utility Crawler with a pressure washer to remove dirt, debris, rust scale and more all from piloting with the handheld controller.

The dozer attachment is designed to remove hard marine growth by scraping surfaces with 50lbs of force.

The DT640Mag Utility MagCrawler, can determine the thickness of metal on corroded and coated structure by mounting a thickness gauge probe on its arm.  The magnets give the Utility Crawler the ability to travel in almost any direction on ferrous metal surfaces. 

“Deep Trekker continues to innovate to provide the easiest to use and most portable inspection technologies, without compromising durability or capabilities,” commented Sam Macdonald, Deep Trekker President. “The new DT640 Utility Crawler product line has been developed by listening to the needs of the industry and our customers.”