Tunnel Rock Bolt Construction Automation Robot
Rock bolts are critical components used to secure rock formations in excavated tunnels, preventing falling debris due to cracks and maintaining the structural integrity of the tunnel. Rock bolt installation is essential in tunnel construction utilizing the New Austrian Tunneling Method (NATM), commonly applied in railway and road projects. Currently, tunnel rock bolt installation relies heavily on older workers (aged 50–60 and above), who manually insert 4–5m long, 10kg or heavier bolts into pre-drilled positions while operating at high elevations using aerial work vehicles. These workers are exposed to extreme safety risks, including rockfall accidents during overhead installations. Due to declining birth rates and an increasing labor shortage, the automation of rock bolt installation is becoming increasingly necessary for safer and more efficient construction processes.
The tunnel rock bolt installation robot is an automated system designed for deploying rock bolts within tunnel construction sites. This robot streamlines the tunnel stabilization process, making operations more efficient while significantly enhancing worker safety. As a result, it plays a crucial role in improving both the efficiency and stability of tunnel construction projects.
Since 2023, our company has been developing an automated rock bolt installation robot in collaboration with POSCO E&C to minimize manual labor in the installation of steel pipe-type rock bolts for tunnels.
This robotic system is designed to handle rock bolt insertion, mortar injection, and high-pressure grout application, utilizing a robotic arm to perform these tasks efficiently and autonomously.