Pipebots, a University of Sheffield-led initiative developing micro-robots designed to independently monitor the condition of underground utilities, has been awarded £45,000 as part of a new research and feasibility study for the UK water industry.
Funded by the Water Services Regulation Authority, the ‘Pipebots for Rising Mains’ project brings together Thames Water, Wessex Water and Welsh Water, the University of Sheffield and engineering solutions provider Synthotech.
The 10-month project aims to accelerate development of rising mains in-pipe condition assessment and proactive rehabilitation technologies to meet water industry needs and stimulate other supplier products to the market.
Pipebots robots will be deployed to carry out inspections in pressurised sewage pipes to help prevent bursts and pollutions.
To do so, the Pipebots team will undertake in-situ, external tests on live cast and ductile iron pipework using accelerometers, ultrasonic probes and electromagnetic induction sensors and will work with Synthotech to mount suitable sensors on a tethered ‘in-pipe’ crawler unit.
