Automation & Robotics for Construction

Robotic Cable Pulling in Conduit Systems

Challenge Statement Owner:

Established in July 2009, DiMeLED is a provider of special lighting features for the Building and Construction industry. They collaborate closely with lighting designers, architects and interior designers to design, implement, and maintain a wide range of facade lighting solutions, operating on subcontract or turnkey contracts. Notable projects include facade lighting installations on the Millenia Tower and Centennial Tower in Singapore. Dimeled also owns MBA Enterprise Pte Ltd, an electrical contractor specialising in installation of electrical systems. MBA has been involved in projects for Mandai Development, Institute of Mental Health, National Technological University, SAFTI MI and SMRT.

Background

Conduit pipes are commonly used to contain electrical and signal cables within buildings. The length of cables used in each project varies widely, ranging from hundreds of metres in smaller residential developments to hundreds of kilometres in larger buildings such as hospitals. 

Conduit systems can either be installed as exposed surface-mounted structures or be concealed within concrete. Once the pipes are assembled and the conduit containment system is in place, the electrician will then install the cables. This is usually done by inserting a wire spring into the pipes and pulling it through from the point of entry to the point of exit. Thereafter, a cable is attached to the wire spring, and the electrician will then pull the wire spring in the opposite direction, pulling the cable through the pipes. 

However, it is common for wire springs to get stuck at sharp bends and angles, as seen in the diagram below. When such situations cannot be resolved, workers will have to hack into the concrete walls and ceilings to install, maintain, or replace cables, resulting in additional time and resources spent.

The Challenge

DIMeLED is looking for a solution that can automatically thread cables through complex pipes and trunking.

Requirements

The solution should:

  • Be able to pull the pilot cable through existing conduit systems with complex bends; and
  • Reduce no of manpower involved in the cable installation process.

Proof-of-concept (POC)/Pilot Support

DIMeLED will provide opportunities to conduct trials of the solution on their projects where installation of conduit systems and pulling of cables is involved.

Resources

Download Additional Resource PDF

Recording from Q&A Session

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