Objectives

• Develop unmanned aerial vehicles capable of navigating elevator shafts, complex, poorly lit environments, with obstacles such as cables and air currents.
• Create Digital Twins of elevator infrastructures, and keep them updated, using UAVs.
• Incorporate AI algorithms in UAVs, including on-board algorithms (EDGE AI) that allow the robot to quickly make decisions. These algorithms must comply with the integrative concept of using AI reflected in the “Trustworthy AI” guidelines created by the HLEG expert group of the European Commission.
• Implement the User Centered Design philosophy in the conception of UAVs, for inspection tasks managed by human operators, whether remotely or in person.
• Investigate the regulatory aspects, in conjunction with interested agents, on the legislation and regulations for the maintenance of lifting infrastructures, given that currently the use of support robots in these tasks is not contemplated.

Impacts

CARE-IMD seeks to contribute to sustainable development through the digitization of infrastructures through the use of advanced technologies, such as UAVs, AI and Digital Twins.

The expected impact of the project focuses on three aspects:

Environmental

• It will reduce energy consumption in the inspection and maintenance of infrastructure through the use of UAVs. In addition, it is expected to contribute to achieving the SDGs established by the UN, especially those related to industry, economic growth, infrastructure, sustainable communities, responsible production and consumption, and climate action.

Economic

• It will improve the competitiveness of countries and create new business opportunities through the digitalization of infrastructure.

Social

• It will positively impact society, improving the safety and efficiency of infrastructure, and providing new jobs in the technology sector.