Design of a high capacity Electro Permanent Magnetic adhesion for climbing robots

Abstract

The interest for robotic solutions to perform inspection and maintenance of steel structures is realised with reduced costs, improved safety and improved efficiency. However current robotic solutions are limited by the required adhesion to support the robot and payload device. The design of an Electro Permanent Magnetic device is studied to yield a high capacity adhesion method for use with industrial climbing robots. The adhesion device must provide a lightweight, low power and a failsafe solution for ferromagnetic surfaces. The design process to achieve maximum holding force for Electro Permanent Magnets is presented.