Canadarm-like robot invented to clean bridges

A robotic bridge cleaner, invented in New Brunswick, is generating interest from across the country.

The robotic arm, which is like a Canadarm of highways, has a series of cameras that allow the operator to direct three different nozzles, including one with a spray strong enough to cut through wood.

It was designed for Brun-Way Highways Operations Inc., primarily to clear blocked catch basins on bridges to prevent water backup and possible vehicle hydroplaning.

But Brun-Way, which came up with the idea and owns the equipment, is already musing about other possible uses, said Romeo Poitras, manager of operations, maintenance and rehabilitation.

​Brun-Way is responsible for 275 kilometres of highway from the Quebec border to west of Fredericton and between Woodstock and the U.S. border, including 164 highway bridges that must be cleaned of salt and sand every spring to prevent corrosion, said Poitras.

"We could use this to unplug drains [in the winter]. Wash pavement after accident scenes."

Poitras says New Brunswick's Department of Transportation has taken a look at the robotic arm, which was created in collaboration with Motion Engineering and Meductic Welding in less than a year.

He's also been fielding calls from across Canada, he said.

The robotic arm does not require lane closures, or putting highway workers in harm's way.

It also reduces the number of employees needed, and halves the time to do the job.

In addition, it uses standard available parts, said engineer David Hoar, of Motion Engineering.

"So that if at 4 o'clock on a Friday afternoon there's a failure on something, heaven forbid, it's not a situation of having to get something from California, or Toronto, or out of Europe or something, It's all local stuff," he said.

"And as a result, the cost of spare parts and backup and stuff are minimal. I dare to suggest [Brun-Way] are going to have a very fast payback on this particular unit."