Tiny robots may help fix pipes with no digging

TINY robots could help fix leaky water pipes without having to dig up roads, according to new research.

- STEPHEN BEECH News Reporter

The miniature “Pipebots” are the same size as a toy car and can track down leaks underground.

Pipebots could revolutionise how water infrastructure is managed and help save some of the three billion litres of water lost through leaky pipes every day in England and Wales, according to scientists. University of Birmingham researchers have helped to develop the robots with the University of Sheffield, and say the robots they developed can explore water pipes to check for cracks and faults - identifying issues before they even become a problem.

The range of miniature robots with new sensors can travel through pipes and check for defects autonomously.