Over 91 billion gallons of drinking water are wasted each day due to leaks, as per the International Water Association. More so, the US Environmental Protection Agency said that about 14% of treated water in the US leaks out. In certain water systems, up to 60% of the water is lost.
Scientists introduce miniature robots designed to patrol the pipe network, detect defects, and prevent spills. They believe that automation will make it possible to maintain the network to prevent spending billions in water leakage.
Pipebots Patrollers
To inspect hard-to-reach pipelines, some companies have already deployed tethered robots. However, the majority of the network is now unreachable without digging. This is where artificial intelligence-powered smaller devices come in.
A new generation of underground robotic pipe patrollers is being tested at the University of Sheffield's Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre (ICAIR).
They are called pipebots, mobile robots with cameras for eyes and all-terrain legs, BBC reported. The water sector is creating these robots to patrol pipelines and detect fractures and flaws before they become leaks.
Professor Kirill Horoshenkov explains that companies only respond reactively to fails at the moment, but they need to have the presence of robots to collect data before any faults or leaks happen.
He noted that the pipebots move along the pipe to take images and use its microphone to record noises inside. These robots are designed to make decisions about whether the pipe is likely to have leaks or not.
Professor Netta Cohen, an AI specialist at the University of Leeds, said that the biggest challenge for pipebots is communication. She pointed out the lack of GPS underground, so communication would have to be in short ranges using sound or wifi. They are developing a system where a "mother" robot carries and deploys a group of miniature robots.
The ICAIR team hopes to create the first pipebots to patrol the water network in the next five years to prevent leaks. For now, water companies would have to dig every time there is a leak.
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Causes of Water Leaks
Water leaks are stealthy little problems with disastrous consequences if left unchecked. Mold, structural damage, and electrical dangers are just a few of the issues that may arise if water leaks are not addressed quickly, and repairs can be rather costly.
While rising water bills, musty aromas, and variations in water flow are all clear symptoms of a water leak, it can be difficult to locate a problem since so much of your home's plumbing is buried. Here are some of the most frequent causes of water leaks, according to an article in Pure Plumbing & Air to help households keep an eye out for leaks and safeguard their home:
- Clogged Drains
- Weak pipe joints
- Extreme temperature fluctuations
- Overly high water pressure
- Broken water connectors
- Corrosion
- Wet spots in the yard
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