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Usually, groundwater pipes are installed drilling roads and sidewalks – an introductory and expensive process. However, researchers at the University of Sheffield in the UK are working on a different approach. They have developed small robots called “pipebots” that can travel inside the water pipes to find leaks and possibly repair, all without any pits.
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Pipebot in different environments. (Sheffield University)
Old pipes leaked underground cause a crisis
The UK has some of the oldest water systems in the world, as parts of the network are still dating back to the Victorian era. It is not surprising that many of these tubes leak, which waste about 790 million gallons of water every day. Its repair usually means drilling streets, which causes a major disorder and adds to the costs of maintenance of $ 5 billion in the country.
A preliminary model of pipebot. (Sheffield University)
Small robots come to save
Pipes are small high -tech auxiliary assistants designed to move in the underground water pipelines. Each comes with sound sensors, cameras and rugs that help them move across the narrow and subjective spaces while smart enough to get rid of areas outside the border.
It was dropped in the water system through the taps and travel in groups, and wiping the internal pipes to the smallest cracks. When they discover a problem, they send details to the engineers above the ground, which facilitates repairing problems without drilling anything.
A clarification shows that Pipebot has found leakage. (Sheffield University)
Robots are part of a larger innovation plan
These robots are part of a greater effort to update how to manage the UK with its water infrastructure. This initiative is not just a university research project supported by the UK water organizer, Offat (Water Services Regulatory Authority), and includes many cooperative projects.
One of these projects focuses on the use of Pipebots to inspect direct wastewater pipes and pressure, also known as electrical breeding. The goal is to pick up problems early and make repairs before leaks cause pollution.
Another project, called “No Dig Leak Repair”, works on ways to repair leaks from within the water pipes themselves, and completely avoid the need for sabotage road works.
There is also the European Union Pipeon project, which is developing advanced Acting robots that can independently examine the sewers, without human directions.
Pipebot image. (Sheffield University)
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These small robots can be exactly what countries need everywhere to maintain their water systems smoothly. They have the ability to make a maintenance cleaner, affordable, and more efficient. This is especially important for developing countries where the budgets are narrow and the infrastructure is aging or incomplete. With the increasing pressure to conserve water, tools like Pipebots can make a real difference in helping us to manage this vital resource wisely.
What are the challenges of the water infrastructure in your area, and do you think that robots like these can help? Let’s know through writing to us in Cyberguy.com/contact.
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