RAIN was a community of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and motivated individuals working together to solve some of the most challenging robotics problems in the world.

At its core were ten research institutions, led by the University of Manchester, each bringing their own expertise.

This platform is capable of entering hazardous environments through restricted access ports with a maximum diameter of 150mm (6”). The robot is an innovative new design which combines omnidirectional drive wheels with a reconfigurable footprint to enable the platform to manoeuver through a difficult environments.

The final concept design of the MIRRAX came out of the requirement of carry mid-size sensors (e.g. LIDARs) and having enough battery charge to conduct at least 1 hour of surveying through the restricted access ports. These two factors require the robotic platform to be long and narrow in design, like a snake, and uses custom design omni-directional Mecanum wheels to allow for unique holonomic locomotion. The addition of 2 joints within the length of the robot allow it to be reconfigured in different stable profiles.

Key Features:

• Reconfigures to fit in 150mm entry port
• 3D Laser scanning of difficult to reach locations
• Easy user interface
• 1 hour battery duration
• Capable of gamma radiation measuring
• Camera for remote operating

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