BotBlox has been working with JettyRobot to streamline the networking hardware for its innovative duct-inspection robots.
JettyRobot, a track-driven robot, is designed to inspect, clean, and repair pipes and ducts in industries like oil and gas, energy infrastructure, and industrial exhaust systems. This solution is particularly useful in situations where dismantling pipes is difficult or impossible.
The robot’s mobility and ability to fit into small pipes make it an essential tool for complex inspections and repairs. However, this tight space also presents a challenge.
JettyRobot requires gigabit Ethernet to power its cameras and sensors, along with the ability to connect to a control station via a 100-meter Ethernet cable. Standard industrial switches were too bulky for the robot’s compact form, so JettyRobot turned to BotBlox for a more efficient solution.
JettyRobot now uses BotBlox’s GigaBlox Nano in its newer models. This tiny Ethernet switch, with a one-inch-square footprint, provides the gigabit speed needed for data transmission inside the robot.
The modular design of GigaBlox Nano was a key advantage for JettyRobot. It allowed the company to design a custom daughterboard, featuring one Ethernet port with a transformer for long-distance connections, while the remaining three ports use Picoblade cables for internal connections.
The compact size of GigaBlox Nano enabled JettyRobot to meet its networking requirements without compromising on space, functionality, or performance. The flexibility to add transformers only where needed further optimized the robot’s internal layout, ensuring efficient communication between its various devices.
By providing innovative networking hardware, BotBlox helps companies like JettyRobot deliver cutting-edge solutions that can adapt to tough environments and constrained spaces.
