The application of robotics for the automated installation of tunnel mechanical, electrical and communication systems.

**Project Background**

It is recognised in the industry that large transportation infrastructure tunnels are usually constructed using Tunnel Boring Machine's (TBM's) which are highly automated for cutting through the ground and installation of the tunnel lining behind the boring machine.

However once the tunnel is constructed, the fitting out of the tunnel for mechanical, electrical and communication services are traditionally installed manually in a labour intensive manner, involving the fixing of bracketry and containment to support services. **Project Aims**

The purpose and projected outcome of this feasibility study is to innovate, design and establish a robotics and artificial Intelligence (RAI) technology and process to deliver a robotic automated solution to facilitate the installation and maintenance of the mechanical, electrical and communication services within the constructed tunnel environment.

The study shall also examine how this equipment can be utilised in all types of tunnel construction and sizes, used for road, rail transportation and energy infrastructure. **Outputs**

Some of the key output objectives of the study are to minimise health & safety issues at the workface, reduction of overall risk to the operatives and increased levels of quality assurance and productivity. In addition to this the following key outputs shall be recognised: * reduced construction plant movement and number of visits to the workface.

* delivery reductions. * reduced installation costs material waste. * carbon footprint reductions. * reductions of operatives within the tunnel. **Focus Areas**

The main area of focus will be the automation of the installation process through the use of technology, robotics engineering and artificial intelligence to provide industrywide improvements.

This feasibility study shall identify the whole life process for design, manufacturing and installation of the mechanical, electrical and communication containment services and where this innovative technolgoy can be used in other construction sector markets **Innovation**

The feasibility will consider the use of modular services development, tunnel layout and positioning surveying technology, logistics engineering, tyre and track access to work face, software integration, automated positioning and fixing of services.