Pipebots patrol the underworld

The latest UK-wide research collaboration to emerge from a growing movement towards self-repairing cities the "Pipebots [project] aims to revolutionise buried pipe infastructure management with the development of micro-robots designed to work in underground pipe networks and dangerous sites." These autonomous, networked devices--ranging in size from 2.5 cm to 50 cm will employ a variety of communication methods from radio to sound to light depending on their operating environment and will engage in inspection, surveying, removal of small obstructions, and eventually direct repairs. Demonstrations are expected in 2024, with applications to follow after.

As robots prove their mettle and cost-effectiveness in hostile and difficult to access infrastructure networks, they will pave the way for broader application throughout many types of urban systems.