n this paper we describe the technical concept and first implementation of an autonomous rail-guided robot for inspection and maintenance tasks in ballast water tanks (BWTs), especially for double-bottom BWTs. We evaluate different locomotion techniques and other robotic principles potentially suited for such application scenarios and propose a modular concept that uses a simple corrosion-free thermoplastic rail that runs "through" the robot and thus allows for high payloads and upside-down operation. The paper also describes the assessment of life-cycle benefits for the developed system with cost parameters such as scaffolding costs, tank preparation, in-tank inspection, and vessel out-of-service time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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