Miniature machines called Pipebots can explore and repair water pipe leaks without digging -Credit: University of Sheffield / SWNS

Tiny robots could help fix leaky water pipes without having to dig up roads and sidewalks, thanks to a British team.

The miniature machines called ‘Pipebots’ are the same size as a toy car and can track down leaks underground. They can also identify potential issues before they even become a problem.

University researchers say the Pipebots could revolutionize how water infrastructure is managed and help save some of the nearly 800 million gallons of water lost through leaky pipes every day in England and Wales.

The UK’s aging water network dates back to the Victorian era and totals more than 215,000 miles in length. Roadwork to repair utilities cost the UK economy at least $5.4 billion per year (£4 billion) and cause disruption to businesses and residents.

The Pipebot’s inventors from the University of Sheffield’s mechanical, aerospace, and civil engineering schools—working with colleagues at the universities of Birmingham, Bristol and Leeds—have developed a range of miniature robots with new sensors that can travel through pipes and automatically check for defects.

The smallest robot measures just 1.5 inches wide (40mm). They are equipped with tiny, high-spec acoustic sensors and cameras, which enable them to navigate and detect faults freely. (See the video below…)

Local engineers can lower the Pipebots directly through a hydrant so they can then explore the area, scan for faults, and relay data back to the workers above.

The researchers say the Pipebots are “intelligent” and will avoid any restricted areas, such as customer connections. They are equipped with all-terrain legs which enable them to navigate through any difficult paths they might encounter while underground.

They can also “talk” to each other within a short range, so they can work together to carry out tasks and problem solve.

“Leaky water pipes are one of the biggest issues facing the water industry, not just here in the UK, but also globally as companies and governments grapple with aging infrastructure,” said program director Professor Kirill Horoshenkov.

“Whilst pipe inspection technologies have improved, it is still incredibly difficult to monitor the condition of water pipes and find leaks in these vast networks, especially when the leaks are small.

Beyond water pipes, the bots are capable of operating in other environments, like sewer lines, gas pipes, and dangerous sites that are inaccessible to humans.

WATCH the University video below—and keep reading to learn what the robots are doing…

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With the help of funding from the Office for Water Services (OFWAT), the Sheffield researchers are working on three projects with partners from the water industry and local authorities across the UK to adapt the bots to meet specific industry needs. The work includes:

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The Sheffield team is also working on a project funded by the European Union—Pipeon—to develop advanced robotic and AI technology for autonomous sewer inspection and maintenance.

“The Pipebots project is a great example of the importance of collaboration between universities and industry,” said Prof. Horoshenkov. “Partners from industry are helping us to make it relevant to the end-user needs.”

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