Project Details

Abstract

This project aims to develop and demonstrate a perching-capable Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) for efficient, in-situ non-destructive evaluation (NDE) of transportation infrastructure, particularly in difficult-to-access locations such as the undersides of bridges. While UAS platforms are widely used for visual inspection, their application for contact-based NDE is rather limited due to challenges in stability, power consumption, and force control during flight. To address these challenges, the proposed UAS integrates a thermoplastic-based perching mechanism and a planar sensor positioning system, enabling stable attachment to structural surfaces and precise scanning using contact sensors. The research has two primary objectives: (1) to design and build a perching UAS platform, and (2) to demonstrate its feasibility for deploying contact-based NDE technologies in both lab and field settings. An external advisory board will guide feasibility testing and support technology transfer. This project addresses U.S. DOT goals related to infrastructure safety and resilience and is expected to advance automated inspection methods while reducing risks to human inspectors. Outcomes will be disseminated through workshops, webinars, and conference presentations targeting practitioners and industry stakeholders.

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