Innovation

British technology start-up Hypertunnel has applied its “radical” construction method using swarm robotics to build a demonstration tunnel at its R&D facility in North Hampshire Downs.

Wireless Internet of Things (IoT) technology company Worldsensing has launched a smart tunnel monitoring concept, where remote monitoring sensors are pre-embedded in the concrete segments used to line tunnels.

Skanska has increased its use of an innovative hydrogen-powered device that reduces fuel consumption and slashes emissions.

Swedish mining company Boliden has teamed up with Sandvik Mining and Rock Solutions to trial using 3D printing technology to create machine parts for underground drilling rigs.

UK-based pile cropping attachment supplier National Pile Croppers' latest product release is the Power Cropper for precast piles.

Energy technology firm Hydrovolve has launched the Geovolve Hammer, a percussive drilling system for geothermal wells.

German drill rig manufacturer Klemm Bohrtechnik has released its latest compact class machine, the KR 800-3G, suitable for installing micropiles, anchors and soil nails in confined spaces.

Utility undergrounding company Petra has successfully piloted a new hard rock boring robot to improve the cost of boring utilities tunnels through difficult geologies.

Bauer Maschinen, together with Belgian tunnel construction specialist Denys, has developed a new containerised cutting system for the construction of diaphragm walls – the Bauer Cube System.

GE Research, the research and development division of General Electric, has demonstrated the feasibility of an autonomous earthworm robot that can rapidly and efficiently dig tunnels.