# SBIR Phase II: Autonomous Robot for In-Service Inspection of Petrochemical Storage Tanks and other Explosive Atmosphere Environments

> **NSF 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · PIKE ROBOTICS INC. (TX) · $1,223,668

## Abstract

The broader/commercial impact of this Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project is the development of an autonomous robotic system for inspecting hazardous industrial infrastructure in flammable and explosive environments. Many facilities in the energy and chemical sectors rely on infrastructure such as storage tanks, pressure vessels, columns, boilers, and pipelines to operate safely and efficiently. These assets degrade over time, requiring regular inspections that help plan necessary repairs to prevent leaks, emissions, fires, or other failures. However, current methods are dangerous, expensive, and inaccurate, often requiring shutting down of critical systems to make ready for human inspection, emitting greenhouse gases in the process. The proposed innovation allows for in-service inspections, which completely eliminates the need for confined space entry and the release of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). This technology supports environmental compliance and enhances workplace safety while delivering high-resolution data that can improve maintenance planning and reduce downtime. Its broader impact lies in transforming inspection practices across high-risk infrastructure, paving the way for more sustainable and automated industrial operations.

This Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase II project will advance a wall-climbing robotic platform designed to conduct autonomous inspections inside hazardous, explosive environments—such as those com

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2508252
- **Awardee organization:** PIKE ROBOTICS INC. (TX)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** M4BSC9HEATW6
- **PI:** Connor Crawford
- **Primary program:** 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** ROBOTICS
- **Estimated total:** $1,223,668
- **Funds obligated:** $1,223,668
- **Transaction type:** Cooperative Agreement
- **Period:** 08/15/2025 → 07/31/2027

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2508252

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2508252, SBIR Phase II: Autonomous Robot for In-Service Inspection of Petrochemical Storage Tanks and other Explosive Atmosphere Environments. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2508252. Licensed CC0.

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