Autonomous Robot On-Pipe Leak Detection

Abstract

The research addresses the critical need for efficient and cost-effective pipe inspection methods in modern infrastructure, focusing on the maintenance of water and gas delivery systems. The objective is to improve defect detection and maintenance processes in pipes, reducing downtime and operational costs. The proposed method involves deploying pipe inspection robots, with an emphasis on on-pipe robots tailored for specific applications such as urban gas lines, small feeder pipes, and sewer systems. These robots are categorized into seven sub-types, including wheel-type, inchworm-style, AI-powered sewer inspection, caterpillar-style, and helical motion robots, each designed for unique inspection challenges. A newly developed versatile on-pipe inspection robot is highlighted for its ability to inspect a variety of plastic and metal pipes in both horizontal and vertical orientations. This robot features a body, foreleg system, rear leg system, and springs, enabling smooth navigation through pipes. The performance of this robot shows substantial improvements in inspection efficiency and accuracy, proving its effectiveness as a modern solution for infrastructure maintenance.