subject: Robotic Tunnel Explorer at the Great Pyramid of Khufu [print this page] Robotic Tunnel Explorer at the Great Pyramid of Khufu
Memphis Tours Egypt since 1955.
Recently I went to visit the GreatPyramid of Khufu and observe the work of the Djedi team. Djedi is a joint international-Egyptian mission, which I named after Djedi, the magician whoKhufu consulted when planning the layout of his pyramid. The purpose of this project is to send a robotic tunnel explorer into the two "air shafts" that lead from the Queen's Chamber of the Great Pyramid ofKhufuto gather evidence to determine the purpose of the shafts.
I selected the Djedi team during a competition that I coordinated to pick the best possible robot to explore the shafts in the Great Pyramid. I decided on a team sponsored by Leeds University and supported by Dassault Systemes in France.The team members include:
Dr Ng Tze Chuen (Hong Kong). Independent researcher
Team founder, working on the concept since 1992
Developed concept proposal of Djedi robot based on previous experience with space robotics.
Founder of the UK involvement in the Djedi project
Systems engineer and mission manager for the project.
Dr Robert Richardson (UK), Lecturer in engineering systems and design, School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Leeds, UK
Joined Djedi project in 2006
Manager of Leeds/Manchester University team.
Mr Ron Grieve (Canada). Tekron Services, Canada
World expert in ultrasonic impact-echo measurements.
Responsible for assessing thickness and condition of the blocking stones.
Other key team members include Andrew Pickering, Stephen Rhodes and Adrian Hildred. This international team is experienced in the development and deployment of systems to meet real world challenges, including systems for space, search and rescue and medical devices, as well as inspection of stone structures.
With the help of the Djedi team, we hope to uncover the meaning of these airshafts by drilling through the doors that are blocking them. The team has made to previous examinations of the airshafts in July and December of 2009. The team is hoping to gather as much evidence as possible to try to piece together the purpose of the airshafts, while at the same time ensuring that the Great Pyramid is not damaged in any way.
