RoboCrane Construction of Bridges

Intelligent Systems Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, Md. 20899. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed conceptual designs, laboratory scale models, and computer simulations/animation of several configurations of remotely operated cranes to assemble highway bridges. NIST’s designs have been patented and trademarked as “RoboCrane.” Major opportunities exist to develop fullscale cranes and demonstrate construction of temporary bridges, causeways across wetlands, and overpasses for traffic management over repair sites. Remotely operated, mobile, lightweight cranes can put modular bridge sections in place and provide better control of loads. This could result in faster assembly and less environmental disturbance. RoboCrane configurations that are well suited for bridge assembly and their potential savings in time and cost are discussed.