CMU Robotics Institute Develops System To Detect and Fix Problems in Gas Pipelines

The latest project, now nearing completion after three years, includes not only robotic inspection of natural gas pipes but also repair via robot. The robotic system being developed by CMU could be deployed in pipes of any material. The robot system isn’t particularly speedy, but it can inspect about nine miles of pipe in eight hours. Repair operations need to be a bit slower, Lu said, but can rehabilitate about 1.8 miles of pipe in eight hours. In addition to a resin-application module, the system includes a mapping module, which features a high-resolution optical sensor.