Riyadh: The Roads General Authority has announced the launch of a new technology in the field of road maintenance, represented in the commencement of using a robot to clean culverts. This initiative is part of the authority's continuous efforts to enhance the quality of road infrastructure and raise traffic safety levels, ensuring the smooth flow of traffic, particularly during the rainy season, thereby contributing to improving the quality of life by providing a highly reliable and quality road network.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the authority noted that the culvert cleaning robot is characterized by advanced technical and operational features, most notably its superior ability to operate in narrow and low spaces, due to its compact design and the possibility of adjusting its height from the ground. This enables it to enter culverts with limited heights efficiently. The robot also contributes to enhancing worker safety, as it significantly reduces the need for individuals to enter confined environments or hazardous areas, thanks to its remote control system. The robot is also distinguished by its high efficiency in removing various sediments, such as mud, sand, and accumulated waste, which may obstruct the flow of water inside culverts during rainy seasons.
The authority said that the robot also enjoys outstanding environmental advantages, including low noise levels resulting from its silent operation, in addition to being free from carbon emissions. These features make it suitable for use inside closed culverts, where fuel-powered equipment cannot be operated due to limited ventilation. It further noted that the robot is easy to transport and operate, as it can be moved to different work sites and put into operation immediately without the need for complex preparations. Its use contributes to reducing downtime and routine maintenance periods, thereby accelerating the pace of maintenance work and shortening the duration of road or tunnel closures during cleaning operations.