Skatebot by Pipebots is an innovative pipeline inspection robot

Skatebot is a cutting-edge robot developed by Pipebots to inspect large pipelines quickly and efficiently. With its unique skating mechanism and advanced imaging sensors, Skatebot can detect pipeline issues such as cracks and blockages with high speed, making it a valuable tool for sewer and drainage systems. Currently in development, this robot promises to streamline pipeline inspections once commercially available.

Skatebot pipeline inspection robot is an innovative robot developed by Pipebots for large sewer and drainage systems. Equipped with advanced imaging sensors, Skatebot is capable of identifying issues such as cracks, blockages, or structural weaknesses, ensuring that potential problems are detected early for timely maintenance.

Robot Name: Skatebot

Company / Institute: Pipebots

Location: United Kingdom

Inception: 2024 (Under development)

Sensors: Advanced imaging sensors, structural health monitoring sensors

Skills: High-speed movement, rapid traversal, structural inspection

Industry: Infrastructure inspection, sewer and drainage systems

Programming Languages: Not specified

Commercial availability: Currently under development, not available commercially.

Designed with a unique skating mechanism, Skatebot can swiftly glide across the inner surfaces of large pipes, significantly reducing the time required to inspect extensive pipeline networks. Its high-speed movement enables it to cover long distances quickly, making it an ideal solution for industries requiring rapid and thorough pipeline assessments.

The robot is currently under development, with its performance being refined through ongoing tests. The goal is to provide a cost-effective, efficient, and autonomous solution for large-scale pipeline inspections. Once commercially available, Skatebot is expected to streamline infrastructure monitoring by reducing human labor costs and minimizing disruptions in pipeline networks. Its ability to navigate through vast pipeline systems quickly and autonomously positions it as a valuable tool for modern infrastructure management.

Featured image credits : Pipebots (Pipebots.ac.uk)

“The information in this blog is sourced from publicly available resources online.”

Technology:

Skatebot utilizes a unique skating mechanism to move efficiently through large diameter pipes. This innovative design allows it to glide over the pipe’s interior surface, making it more agile and faster than conventional robotic solutions. The robot is equipped with high-resolution imaging sensors that capture detailed visual data of the pipe’s internal conditions. These sensors play a critical role in detecting cracks, corrosion, or other structural issues that could compromise the pipeline’s integrity. Its advanced sensors, combined with its rapid traversal capabilities, make Skatebot an ideal candidate for large-scale pipeline inspection projects.

Programming Language (s):

While the exact programming languages used for Skatebot’s development have not been disclosed, it is likely that a combination of languages such as Python and C++ is used for its navigation algorithms, sensor integration, and data processing. These languages are commonly employed in robotics to manage the robot’s autonomy and the processing of sensor data, enabling Skatebot to perform inspections with minimal human intervention. However, we will be writing back to the organization to know if they can help with exact details.

Current use:

Skatebot is currently in the testing and development phase, with its functionality being evaluated for large-scale pipeline inspections. It is not yet commercially available but is expected to be deployed for sewer and drainage system inspections in the future. The ongoing tests aim to refine its design and performance in real-world conditions.

Specifications :