UK contractor starts world-first radar bucket deployment

RodRadar system to be deployed across more than 200 machines to reduce utility strike risk during excavation work. Image: RodRadar

The multi-year programme will see RodRadar’s LDR Excavate system deployed across more than 200 machines.

Network Plus works for UK asset owners including Severn Trent Water, Cadent Gas, National Grid and UK Power Networks.

The company said the rollout is intended to reduce the risk of underground utility strikes during excavation work.

Research from the University of Birmingham has previously estimated that the UK suffers more than 60,000 utility strikes every year, costing the economy around £2.4 billion (US$3.2 billion) annually in project delays, traffic disruption and safety risks.

The partnership follows work by Machinetech, RodRadar’s exclusive UK distributor, which introduced the technology to Network Plus.

RodRadar developed a Type 0 LDR Excavate system for Network Plus, using a 30cm-wide digging bucket embedded with live ground-penetrating radar.

The system is designed for work in congested urban environments, where shallow utilities can create a higher strike risk.

Following field trials supported by Machinetech, the system will provide real-time, AI-classified alerts to the operator when a utility is detected during excavation.

Dave Fleming, head of plant at Network Plus, said, “Utility strikes are a costly, high-risk disruption, and preventing them is a priority across our operations. RodRadar’s LDR technology is a complete game changer for risk management.

“By rolling this out across our fleet, we will not just protect our crews and assets, we will guarantee a best-in-class, uninterrupted service for our clients and the millions of UK citizens who rely on their infrastructure.”

RodRadar said its technology detects underground utilities in real time during excavation and provides operators with visual and audio alerts.