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Fixing underground water pipes usually is to dig the streets and pavements – a process that is disruptive and expensive. However, researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK are working on a different approach. They have developed small robots called “pipebots”, which can travel inside water pipes and repair the repair leaks possible without any excavation.
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Pipebott in various environments. (University of Sheffield)
Old drip underground pipes are creating a crisis
There are some oldest water systems in the world in Britain, parts of the network still dating back in the Victorian era. Not surprisingly, many of these pipes are being leaked, about 790 million gallons of water are wasting every day. Fixing them usually means digging on the streets, which causes major disruption and connects the country’s cost of maintenance of $ 5 billion per year.
A prototype of a pipebot. (University of Sheffield)
Small robots come to the rescue
Pipebots are small, high -tech accessories designed to navigate the underground world of water pipes. Every acoustic comes with sensors, cameras and rugged wheels that help to transfer it through tight, twist space, which are enough to clean off-lymph areas.
They are dropped into the water system through hydrants and travel in groups, even scan inside the pipes for the smallest cracks. When they look at a problem, they send the details back to the engineers above the ground, making it easier to fix issues without digging anything.
A portrayal suggests that a pipebot has found a leak. (University of Sheffield)
Robots are part of a large innovation scheme
These robots are part of a major attempt to modernize how the UK manages its aging water infrastructure. This initiative is not only a university research project-it is supported by the UK Water Regulator, OFWAT (Water Services Regulation Authority), and includes several collaborative projects.
One of these goal problems is to catch quickly and repair before leaking.
Another project, called “No Dig leak Repair”, is working on ways to fix the leak from underwater, which avoids the need for completely disruptive roadwork.
There is also a pipeon project funded by the European Union, developing advanced, AI-operated robots that can autonomize sewers, without human guidance.
The image of a pipebot. (University of Sheffield)
Kurt’s major takeaways
These small robots can be in the same way that there is a need to run their water systems everywhere smoothly. They have the ability to make maintenance cleaner, more economical and more efficiently. This is especially important for developing countries where budgets are tight and infrastructure is aging or incomplete. As the pressure to conserve water increases, equipment such as pipebott can create a real difference in helping us manage this important resource more wisely.
What are the challenges of the infrastructure of water in your area, and do you think robots can help this kind? Write us and tell us Cyberguy.com/Contact.
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