Some individuals always caution about the potential risks of artificial intelligence and robotization leading to job losses. However, few will not appreciate the assistance provided by a new device developed by multiple British universities. Joey is an autonomous robot responsible for examining the narrowest drainage and water pipes. This machine is part of a new wave of scientific and technological advancements that will enable operations underground, where few humans would dare to go.
Tackling water leaks
Access to drinking water is a crucial human and sustainability challenge. The sheer amount of water lost in pipelines due to infrastructure deficiencies is particularly alarming. It is estimated that in countries like the USA, up to fifty percent of treated water is lost annually due to leaks. In other countries, such as the United Kingdom, three billion liters of water, equivalent to 1180 Olympic swimming pools, are lost daily due to this issue.
Detecting and responding quickly in these situations is critical, as demonstrated in this project carried out in the Spanish city of Burgos, where a smart system monitored every liter of water flowing through its water systems. A combination of big data, IoT, business intelligence, and physical meters was utilized to better understand what was happening underground.
Working in these underground environments is challenging, hazardous, and sometimes unhealthy, especially in the case of wastewater infrastructures. This is why the Joey prototype has generated significant interest.
Robot swarms to inspect pipelines
The universities of Leeds, Sheffield, Bristol, and Birmingham in the UK collaborated closely to develop a machine capable of operating autonomously in various pipes. The objective was to create a prototype that could function in narrow, damp, dark spaces without GPS coverage, as GPS signals cannot penetrate underground.
The outcome is a very light robot, weighing only seventy grams, equipped with rotating legs made using 3D printing. Joey integrates multiple technologies, including cameras, spatial sensors, inspection lights, and an artificial intelligence navigation and control system. Additionally, it is designed to consume minimal energy and has a long-lasting battery. This enables the robot to move independently, identify cracks, and transmit images to the control center. When running low on battery, it can autonomously return to the operational base. The estimated cost for each robot is around €300.
Joey is part of the Pipebots project, which brings together various universities and water infrastructure managers in the UK. This is just the initial phase of the project. The roadmap includes the collaborative use of swarms of interconnected robots transported by a “queen mother” named Kanga. This “mothership” will possess pipeline repair capabilities and will send its “offspring” to detect intervention points. The University of Leeds is currently testing the first Kanga prototype.
However, Joey faces some challenges in its development. It is not waterproof, limiting its operation in underwater environments. Additionally, it lacks automatic position recovery if it tips over.
Other strategies to prevent and repair water leaks
Robotics is not the sole advanced technology used for detecting underground water leaks. In recent years, various approaches have been adopted to address the issue. Here are some noteworthy ones:
- Satellite technology: Operators are already utilizing AI to analyze microwaves emitted by satellites, capable of penetrating several meters underground. These microwaves are sensitive to water’s electrical conductivity, distinguishing between different types of water and monitoring water resources used for agricultural purposes.
- Acoustic sensors: Some companies use sensors that emit acoustic signals through pipes, with AI systems detecting leaks.
- IoT technology: The proliferation of sensors through IoT technology enables more effective leak monitoring. Combined with AI, this allows infrastructure managers to be alerted of any incidents.
The pipe inspection robots and other technologies mentioned in the article are primarily intended for business and industrial environments. However, wirelessly connected domestic water leak detectors are becoming more common to alert residents of incidents, providing peace of mind and potentially avoiding damage upon returning from vacations.
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