Swarm Cognitive Small-scale Structural Sensing and Control

Summary:

MARSBots are low-cost swarm microrobots equipped with cameras and sensors that use augmented reality (AR) for the autonomous inspection of hard-to-reach structural areas, detecting cracks and early signs of damage.

Technology Overview:

MARSBots are small, flexible-legged microrobots designed to inspect confined or hazardous spaces without human entry. Each robot uses an ESP32-Cam for image capture and transmits data wirelessly to an edge processor. Operators can control the swarm through AR interfaces on a HoloLens 2 headset or PC, which display sensor data and visual feedback in real time. The system integrates AI-powered semantic segmentation to identify cracks, using machine learning models trained and fine-tuned on diverse datasets. MARSBots make structural health monitoring faster, safer, and more precise than traditional manual inspections or single-robot systems by combining swarm mobility, multi-view imaging, and AR visualization.

Key Advantages:

• Enables inspection of confined or dangerous areas without human entry
• Uses cognitive swarm behavior for full-area coverage
• Low-cost, lightweight, and easy to produce with 3D-printed parts

Problems Solved:

• Reduces risk to human inspectors in hazardous environments
• Prevents structural collapses through early detection of damage
• Overcomes limitations of manual or single-robot inspections

Applications:

• Structural health monitoring in bridges, tunnels, and buildings
• Post-disaster infrastructure inspection
• Industrial facility maintenance
• Civil engineering research and safety assessments

Seeking

• Licensing and development partners