SPEEDWORM: Swift, Portable, and Efficient Electrical undergrounDing using a Waterfree, cOmpact, and Reliable Machine

Default ARPA-E Project Image

Program:
GOPHURRS
Award:
TBD
Location:
Niskayuna, New York
Status:
Selected
Project Term:
TBD
Website:

Technology Description:

GE Vernova Advanced Research is developing a robotic worm tunneling construction tool that would dig and install conduit and cables for underground distribution powerlines in a single step. GE’s SPEEDWORM would mimic the natural movement of earthworms and tree roots to install 1,000 feet of cable and conduit in two hours with unmatched flexibility. The tool could deploy from a standard pickup truck and would eliminate the cost, complexity, and surface disruption compared with conventional approaches.

Contact

ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Philseok Kim
Project Contact:
Mr. John Lizzi
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
lizzi@ge.com

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• GE Vernova Advanced Research - SPEEDWORM: Swift, Portable, and Efficient Electrical undergrounDing using a Waterfree, cOmpact, and Reliable Machine
• Melni Technologies - Enhancing Reliability and Resilience of Underground Distribution Systems Using Innovative Splicing
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• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) - Subsurface Intelligence for Undergrounding Operations: Rapid AI-Based Geophysical Imaging and Advanced Visualization
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• RTX Technology Research Center (RTRC) - UNderground Imaging with QUantum sEnsors (UnIQue)
• Sandia National Laboratories - Advancing Horizontal Directional Drilling for Rapid Undergrounding of Electrical Utilities
• Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) - Multi-Physics, Intelligent Sensing System (MISS) For Real-Time, Look-Ahead While Drilling

Release Date:
03/30/2023