Iranian Researcher Designs Robot for Repairing Pipelines  

Alireza Hadi, the developer of the robot, said the soft robot technology is used to move and change the shape of a robotic arm in a repair robot.

“Though, the repair robot is powerful and capable it has small volume and a simple and cost-effective structure,” Hadi said.

Robotic systems are technology-driven, he said, adding that as a mechatronic product, repair robots have mechanical, electronic, and software subsystems.

Therefore, in the initial version of the robot, hydraulic and pneumatic drive systems were used so that it could be moved in different directions with appropriate power, he explained.

“The new version with the utilized innovation is a lighter, smaller, and at the same time simpler robot,” he added.

The robot will operate in pipelines that are not always readily accessible, such as pipelines below roadways or railways.

It can also be used in all types of pipes, in such a way that if it accumulates in the inner part of the pipe due to rusting or accumulation of sediments, extra materials can be removed by the mentioned robot, Hadi noted.

The important feature of the underground robot is to repair the pipelines without digging which prevents the creation of piles of soil and the destruction of asphalt in the city.

For instance, a tree root may have entered the pipe from the connections or joints, or a branch may have started leaking, or the pipeline may have a clogging problem.

In this case, the repair robot will fix this problem without digging in the place, he concluded.

4155/g