In an oil field application a conceptual design and feasibility evaluation
was completed to identify robotic solutions for tractoring wire cables into
deep horizontal wells. Several design concepts were discovered and evaluated
from the standpoint of feasibility in the hot and abrasive environment of
wells. Fail-safe designs were investigated to limit the possibility
of irrecoverable tractor failures. Energetic requirements for tractor operation
and automatic recovery systems was investigated and analytical
calculations generated to support the design considerations.