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. Pipebots could actually revolutionize how water infrastructure is managed and help to save some of the nearly 800 millions of gallons of water lost through leaking pipes every day. Roadwork repair utilities cost an average of $5.4 billion per year and cause disruption to businesses and residents. The smallest Pipebots measure just 1½ inches wide and are equipped with tiny, high-tech acoustic sensors and cameras that enable them to navigate and detect faults. The Pipebots are lowered directly through hydrants so they can explore the area, scan for faults, and relay data back to the workers above. They are able to avoid any restricted areas, such as customer connections, and are equipped with all-terrain legs that enable them to navigate through any path they might encounter. 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.
