Robotic road excavation system on the way in the UK

The Robotic Roadworks and Excavation System (RRES) project combines a powerful industrial robot, an all-electric track drive system, below-ground locating sensors and new vacuum excavation methods for safer, faster autonomous roadworks. 

The RRES is currently conducting autonomous operations, including cutting of the road surface and performing a patented vacuum excavation method. Initial field trials are scheduled to take place this year on the SGN network. The project aims to reduce accidental damage to buried infrastructure and improve the safety and speed of utility excavation and construction.