About HazBot:
HazBot is an advanced remotely controlled robotic inspection system designed to address the significant safety challenges in hazardous industrial environments, particularly in oil and gas facilities. Developed in response to the rising concerns over worker safety in high-risk inspection areas, HazBot eliminates human exposure to dangerous conditions while enhancing inspection efficiency and accuracy. What makes HazBot unique is its integration of:
- AI-driven analytics
- Autonomous navigation
- Multi-sensor technology
- Modular platform that can be customized for various industrial applications
The project supports Qatar's sustainability goals and was developed indigenously within Qatar.
Scientific or Technical Area:
Robotics, Sensing and Industrial Inspections, and Artificial Intelligence.
Project Timeline:
Ongoing.
Main Objectives of the Project:
- Long-range remotely controlled operation.
- Dual Channel Video Streaming from the robot to the control unit.
- Modular Sensory Deployment.
Anticipated Impact and Relevance:
The HazBot has numerous applications across various industries:
- Industrial Safety:
- Regular inspection of high-risk areas in petrochemical facilities
- Emergency response for investigating potential leaks or equipment failures
- Preventive maintenance in confined spaces or areas with extreme temperatures
- Environmental:
- Environmental monitoring around industrial sites for regulatory compliance
- Radiation level assessment in nuclear facilities
- Healthcare:
- Remote medicine delivery
- Remote doctor-patient interaction
- UV sanitization in unreachable areas during pandemics (like COVID-19)
- Military/Defense:
- Bomb disposal operations
- Handling radioactive substances
- Counter-terrorism applications
- General Purpose:
- Quality control inspection in manufacturing environments
- Structural integrity assessment in aging industrial infrastructure
- Any task that requires grabbing or manipulation (equipped with gripper and suction cup)
Students’ involvement is a key aspect of this project that guarantees capacity building and the development of local expertise in a number of areas that will impact the industrial and economic footprints in Qatar, essentially aligning with Qatar Vision 2030.
Supervisor(s) Details:
- Full Name: Prof. Uvais Qidwai
- Job Title/Position: Professor (Computer Engineering)
- Department or Unit: Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- Institution/Affiliation: Qatar University
- Email Address: uqidwai@qu.edu.qa
Team Members Involved:
- Dr. Noora Al-Qahtani, Research Assistant Professor, Centre for Advanced Materials (CAM)
- Abdulnaser Rabie, Student, Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering
- Abdullah Ishfaq, Student, Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering
- Amna Osman, Student, Computer Science and Engineering, College of Engineering
Picture of the Prototype:
