Tiny Robots Can Help Fix Leaky Old Water Pipes Without Having to Dig Up Roads

Tiny Robots Can Help Fix Leaky Old Water Pipes Without Having to Dig Up Roads

Tiny Robots Can Help Fix Leaky Old Water Pipes Without Having to Dig Up Roads Miniature machines called Pipebots can explore and repair water pipe leaks without digging -Credit: University of Sheffield / SWNS Tiny robots could help fix leaky water pipes without having to dig up roads and sidewalks, thanks to a British team. The miniature machines called ‘Pipebots’ are the same size as a toy car and can track down leaks underground. They can also identify potential issues before they even become a problem. University researchers say the Pipebots could revolutionize how water infrastructure is managed and help save some of the nearly 800 million gallons of water lost through leaky pipes every day in England and Wales. The UK’s aging water network dates back to the Victorian era and totals more than 215,000 miles in length. Roadwork to repair utilities cost the UK economy at least $5.4 billion per year (£4 billion) and cause disruption to businesses and residents. The Pipebot’s inventors from …