British tech company hyperTunnel is expected to demonstrate its new construction technology at the Global Centre of Rail Excellence’s Dulais Valley site this year, as it successfully wins UK government funding for standout railway innovations.
HyperTunnel’s technology aims to ‘transform how tunnels and underground structures are built, repaired and maintained’ using artificial intelligence, machine learning and ‘swarm’ robotics.
The Basingstoke-based firm says that its technology ‘will help more underground projects become technically and financially viable, anywhere’. Its new funding grant is to be used to help build a 20-metre-long pedestrian underpass at the GCRE. The tunnel is to be designed to allow the track above to remain open throughout the construction process.
The manufacturer expects its technology to be used beyond new build and repair applications - from slope stabilisation, to dam fixing, hazardous waste containment and underpasses.
Last October, hyperTunnel signed an exclusive distributor agreement (EDA) with AmcoGiffen for the application of its technologies and systems in the UK rail sector.
Under the EDA, AmcoGiffen has exclusive rights to use hyperTunnel technology – including digital twins, robotics, 3D printing and digital underground surveying, supported by AI and VR – for all enhancements, repair, rehabilitation and monitoring of underground spaces, slopes and track bed infrastructure, including stabilisation and water management.
HyperTunnel technology being tested at its Basingstoke laboratory.
HyperTunnel’s Jeremy Hammond said: “Having spent thousands of man-hours developing our robot fleet in the laboratory in Basingstoke, the system is now ripe for being proven on a real site, in accelerated test conditions, and which can be visited. The GCRE facility is going to be a huge opportunity for us to present a feasible technological solution to the longstanding issue of dangerous level-crossings.
“In parallel to GCRE in Wales and a site in each of Scotland and England being planned for in 2024, there are two commercial sites in India and a pilot site in the UAE that are expected to commence in the year.”
“We are delighted that the GCRE sees the same potential in the hyperTunnel method as our partners in the construction industry,” said hyperTunnel co-founder Steve Jordan.
“Having spent many hundreds of hours developing our robot fleet in the lab in Basingstoke, the system is now ripe for being proven on a real site, in accelerated test conditions, and which can be visited by interested parties.
“The GCRE facility is going to be a huge opportunity for us and we can’t wait to get started and to present a feasible technological solution to the longstanding level-crossing issue.”
The project is funded by the Department for Business and Trade through the competition ‘GCRE: Railway Construction Innovation Phase 2’ delivered by InnovateUK in collaboration with GCRE.
Located on a 700-hectare site, GCRE aims to become Europe’s premier site for rail and mobility innovation, research, testing and certification of new rail technologies.
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