Skip to main content

Aquajet's new hybrid hydrodemolition robot

In what it says is a "a world first," Swedish specialist company Aquajet Systems has introduced a new diesel/electric-powered hybrid hydrodemolition robot offering a wide range of new features, including pollution-free operation in enclosed areas in electric-mode.
February 27, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
In what it says is a "a world first," Swedish specialist company 2784 Aquajet Systems has introduced a new diesel/electric-powered hybrid hydrodemolition robot offering a wide range of new features, including pollution-free operation in enclosed areas in electric-mode.

The hybrid systems power pack is powered by a 15 kW engine or a 15 kW electric motor, and simple 'switchover' operation ensures easy change to diesel power.

Featuring an optional extended mast height of up to 9m, the new robot offers larger, adjustable tracks to provide a variable width of between 1.5-2m for increased stability if required.

The hybrid model also incorporates a new type of steering drive to turn and twist the unit's powerhead at the increased heights to provide improved precision.

Aquajet has also developed a multi-axis system allowing the powerhead to be moved quickly, allowing it to work on vertical, curved or horizontal surfaces. The system can also turn the powerhead 180º in the horizontal position.

Additionally, to further speed operation, the robot has been designed to turn through 90º travelling along the wall surface, and this together with the side movement of the powerhead eliminates the constant 'stop-start' turning of the robot.

The robotic units can operate vertically, horizontally and overhead as standard. Attachments allow removal in specialist situations, for example, underneath bridge decks or under water.

According to Aquajet,the hybrid Aquacutter model features an automated control system that optimises settings and applies the minimal force required, allowing the robot to operate selectively, with its high pressured jet of water penetrating into the weak concrete as is passes across the surface.

An innovative intelligent sensing controlled system and a patented high-pressure lance control combine to offer high efficiency and performance.

"The EDS (Equal Distance System) system optimises the angle of attack as well as ensuring the nozzle remains at the correct set distance. This in turn ensures that the optimum 'angle of attack' can be selected, maintaining maximum power from the jet, while keeping the nozzle at the correct set distance from the surface independent from the selected angle of attack.

"The angle can change by as much as +/-30º maximising concrete removal around the reinforcing bars," says Aquajet.

For more information on companies in this article

Related Content

  • Innovations in crushing and screening technology boosting efficiency
    July 15, 2015
    The crushing and screening sector has seen a flurry of new model launches in recent months, with a series of new equipment introductions - Mike Woof writes. Crushing and screening systems play a vital role in the overall cost effectiveness of a quarrying operation. Ensuring that a quarry runs efficiently relies heavily on the appropriateness of the entire crushing and screening set-up for the material input, the output grades and the compatibility of each separate unit. Mobility has been a key issue in rece
  • Asphalt compaction seeing major technical advances
    August 24, 2016
    Key innovations in asphalt compaction will help improve overall paving quality - Mike Woof writes
  • Developments in the concrete pavers market
    February 20, 2012
    The market for concrete pavers continues to fuel research and development into new models writes Mike Woof. The range and breadth of concrete slipforming and paving equipment on the market continues to grow as firms develop new and improved models. Prior to the recent CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2011 construction equipment show in Las Vegas, some of the best known manufacturers had already announced their new and improved slipforming machines. GOMACO, Guntert & Zimmermann, Power Curbers and Wirtgen all had recent or ne
  • An innovative hybrid system from Kohler
    January 10, 2022
    Kohler is offering innovative hybrid power systems that can be used in an array of construction machine installations