Trials are continuing in Seaham, County Durham for Pipebot Patrol, a £1.8 million innovation project led by Northumbrian Water. A blockage-detecting robot is sending back its first signals from inside the sewer network, helping engineers to spot early build-ups before they cause flooding.
The first of its kind in the world, Pipebot Patrol was lowered into the live sewer network late last year, to test how the technology performs in real-world conditions.
Early mapping has now shown that its advanced mobile sensors, which collect data as the robot patrols the network, can successfully detect the early signs of build-ups inside pipes and pinpoint their precise location.
The information will help Northumbrian Water’s wastewater teams to investigate and where necessary, carry out preventative work before blockages get worse, reducing the risk of sewer flooding.
Chris Bolt, Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Portfolio Manager, said:
“Trials are continuing with Pipebot Patrol in Seaham and we’re learning more about what the robot can see and how it can help us to work proactively.
“We’re using it in the sewer for hours at a time and looking at how we can extend the amount of time it spends down there patrolling.
“Some of the mapping the robot has already sent back shows us that it can successfully identify debris build-ups at an early stage, which allows us to intervene before problems escalate.
“The technology is a game-changer and brings us another step closer to using the robot at scale to reduce the risk of sewer flooding and help protect the environment and our customers’ homes.”
The project was first launched in July 2024, with development teams designing, building and testing the Pipebot in laboratory conditions.
This current trial marks the second phase of the project, focusing on how the robot operates over longer periods in a live sewer network.
Future phases could see the robot being equipped with tools to help clear blockages in harder-to-reach areas, supporting Northumbrian Water’s wastewater teams.
Project partners include Spring Innovation, Environmental Monitoring Solutions, Gateshead Council, Jet Aire, Minicam Group, Newcastle City Council, Southern Water, Sunderland City Council, Thames Water and the University of Sheffield’s School of Mechanical, Aerospace & Civil Engineering, leading on robot development.
Pipebot Patrol has also been named a finalist at this year’s Water Industry Awards (June), recognising its potential to transform how sewer networks are monitored and maintained.
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