HAZARDOUS AREAS
UndergroUnd robot to revolUtionise pipe inspection work
R
obotics experts at the Manufacturing Technology Centre have developed an autonomous robotic rat which can scurry along underground pipes carrying out
inspection work. The invention has the potential for cost and efficiency savings for utility companies as well as reducing human exposure to hazardous environments and preventing pipework leaks. “Ratty the Robot” is a tetherless wheeled
inspection robot with a laser-based navigation module, with the potential to carry out tasks in environments which would defeat most robots. The robot’s ability to access and work
autonomously in difficult conditions has the potential for major costs savings for utility companies as well as removing risks associated with working in hazardous environments. As the robot can self-drive it reduces the need for a human operator. It has the added advantage of automatically mapping complex pipework and tunnel systems which have built up over many years. MTC advanced robotics research engineer
Dr Mahesh Dissanayake says the pipe- crawling robot could give the utilities sector opportunities for cost saving combined with increased efficiency, and demonstrated how robotics and automation can benefit a wide variety of sectors.
“This proof-of-concept robot can travel in
confined spaces, inspecting networks while working fully autonomously. It opens up the opportunity of inspecting far more of the underground network at a much reduced cost, reducing failure rates and flagging up potential problems. With technology advancing all the time the next exciting step could be a robot which not only inspects pipework, but is capable of carrying out repairs remotely without having to dig up roads,” he says. He adds, “This project demonstrates the
MTC’s determination to support the utilities industry by providing solutions that can reduce down-time, cost and risk. The transferable technical know-how will also allow the MTC to support the automation of other activities in hazardous or difficult environments.” Currently, most advanced inspection work
of drainage, sewage and gas supply pipes is carried out by tethered devices managed by
10 MAy/JUne 2022 | indUstriAl coMpliAnce
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