Mobile Terrain Robots for Structural Testing Automation

Rugged robotic solutions for diagnostics, inspection, and testing in demanding construction and infrastructure environments.

Overview

Legged or wheeled terrain robots are advanced mobile platforms designed to operate in diverse and often hazardous environments to support structural testing and diagnostics. These robotic systems play a vital role in automating fieldwork by traversing construction zones, tunnels, pipelines, dams, and uneven terrain where traditional inspection tools struggle. Outfitted with sensors, manipulators, and onboard processing, these robots perform non-destructive testing, real-time data collection, and visual inspections with precision and autonomy. With demand growing for safer, smarter, and more efficient infrastructure assessment tools, these terrain robots stand out for their agility, versatility, and resilience. They are ideal for infrastructure inspection projects where mobility is critical. At Automated Structural Tech, we provide complete terrain robot solutions built in-house, from leading OEMs, and through our collaboration with GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc., to serve B2B clients throughout North America.

Incorporated Technology Providers

In addition to offering products and systems developed by our team and trusted partners for Legged or Wheeled Terrain Robots, we are proud to carry top-tier technologies from Global Advanced Operations Tek Inc. (GAO Tek Inc.) and Global Advanced Operations RFID Inc. (GAO RFID Inc.). These reliable, high-quality products and systems enhance our ability to deliver comprehensive technologies, integrations, and services you can trust. Where relevant, we have provided direct links to select products and systems from GAO Tek Inc. and GAO RFID Inc.

Core Components

Ruggedized chassis for harsh terrains — Industrial & Asset Monitoring Sensors ensure hotel service robots withstand wear, vibrations, and rough flooring while delivering goods or cleaning in varied environments.
Electric or hydraulic actuators (legged or wheeled) — Zigbee End Devices enable precise motion control and integration with smart hospitality automation systems.
LIDAR and stereo vision sensors — Optical & Imaging Sensors allow hotel delivery robots to navigate safely around guests, furniture, and dynamic environments.
GPS/GNSS, IMU, and wheel encoders — GPS IoT Trackers/Devices provide accurate positioning for outdoor navigation of hospitality service robots across resort campuses.
Integrated robotic arms for manipulation or tool deployment — BLE Gateways, Beacons & Accessories support interactive robotic arms for tasks such as luggage handling or contactless room service delivery.

Navigation and SLAM algorithms
Obstacle detection and avoidance
Data acquisition and structural health monitoring software
Remote and autonomous operational modes
Onboard AI for pattern recognition and anomaly detection

Real-time data streaming to centralized dashboards
Cloud-based analytics platforms
API-based integration with project databases and asset management systems
Secure wireless connectivity (5G, LTE, Wi-Fi, RF)

Key Features and Functionalities

All-terrain mobility: legs or high-torque wheels for navigating rubble, stairs, slopes
Autonomous navigation and path planning
Real-time image and sensor data capture
Thermal, acoustic, ultrasonic, and visual data acquisition
Obstacle negotiation and intelligent maneuvering
Long operational battery life and swappable power modules
Modular payload support for specific tests

Integrations and Compatibility

Our terrain robots integrate easily with:

Structural health monitoring sensors and systems
GIS and BIM platforms
NDT tools like GPR, ultrasonic sensors, and strain gauges
Construction management platforms
Asset lifecycle systems and cloud databases

Benefits

Enhanced safety: Reduces risk for human inspectors in hazardous or unstable structures
High-efficiency testing: Cuts downtime with faster diagnostics
Versatility: Adapts to bridges, tunnels, industrial plants, and remote field sites
Data-rich insights: Enables predictive maintenance with advanced analytics
Cost-effective: Reduces repetitive manual testing costs over time

Applications

Structural health monitoring of bridges, buildings, and towers

Tunnel and culvert inspection

Post-earthquake or disaster area reconnaissance

Concrete slab, floor, or pavement defect scanning

Utility corridor exploration and mapping

Power plant and refinery safety checks

Industries Served

Civil and structural engineering

Energy and Utilities

Oil & Gas

Defense and Public Safety

Transportation Infrastructure

Water and Wastewater Treatment

Mining and Natural Resources

Relevant U.S. & Canadian Industry Standards & Regulations

Case Studies

United States – Utah DOT Post-Landslide Tunnel Assessment

After a minor landslide affected a highway tunnel, a four-wheeled terrain robot equipped with LIDAR and thermal cameras was deployed to map the interior and identify structural shifts. Data collected by the robot enabled engineers to identify stress fractures without sending personnel into unstable zones.

United States – California Earthquake Zone Structure Recon

Following a seismic event in California, a legged terrain robot was sent into collapsed residential buildings to assess wall integrity and floor stability. It provided thermal mapping, audio cues, and imagery that helped first responders prioritize human search efforts and infrastructure repair.

Canada – Ontario Hydroelectric Dam Inspection

In a hydro dam facility in Ontario, a wheeled robot was used to inspect the underside of a spillway bridge. It carried ultrasonic sensors and a robotic arm to tap and test for delamination in the concrete slab, all while streaming data wirelessly to engineers monitoring remotely from a control center.

Ready to explore how terrain robots can streamline
your structural testing needs?

Get in touch with Automated Structural Tech for personalized consultations, product information, or technical support.
Let’s build smarter, safer infrastructure together.