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A company has developed a prototype of a soft-sided robot that can travel along the inside of a pipe. Its sensors detect changes in force caused by leakage of water. It can also check the location of the leak within a few feet.
Fremont, CA: Robots are becoming more sophisticated and as technology advances, companies are seeking more ways to use it. The water industry is no exception to this. Here are five ways robotics technologies can help.
Developing Leak-Detection Methods
Researchers know that leakage contributes greatly to the global issue of water scarcity. In Saudi Arabia, for example, up to 30 percent of the water is lost due to leakage and maintenance problems. And some people live in areas where water shortage causes cities to limit access for hours per day, or to get water from elsewhere.
A company has developed a prototype of a soft-sided robot that can travel along the inside of a pipe. Its sensors detect changes in force caused by leakage of water. It can also check the location of the leak within a few feet. This is far superior to existing practices, which often involve water service staff to dig up large parts of the streets to locate the source of the problem.
Cleaning Drink-Water Tanks
Holding the tanks that hold safe drinking water is a time-consuming operation. The two main strategies for doing so now include draining the tanks or getting the divers to do the job. But a few robotic firms are seeking to meet the need differently.
After recognizing the need and current market gap for robots to clean water tanks, a company has developed a division called Watertight Robotics. The business started by researching and adapting robots used elsewhere for the Australian market. Both robots in its fleet are oil-free or use small quantities of food grade oil. Also when the robots take care of the cleaning process, they do not churn up the water or otherwise damage the supply.
See Also: Top Robotics Solution Companies
