Shaped like a spider with multiple legs, it can operate independently or collaborate in teams to inspect and repair narrow pipes.
A robotic spider capable of assisting in wastewater pipeline inspections.
According to TMSUK, a Japanese robotics company, there is currently a severe shortage of workers to inspect drainage systems in Japan. This work is labor-intensive, challenging, and can even be quite dangerous. Therefore, the company has begun to seek solutions to alleviate the workload of current workers by developing a robotic spider capable of assisting in wastewater pipeline inspections.
Named SPD1, the prototype of this multi-legged robot was created to meet specific requirements from a pipeline and wastewater maintenance company.
This robot is designed to navigate through narrow pipes.
In its current form, the device measures 21 x 25 x 28 cm, weighs approximately 3.5 kg, and is designed to traverse narrow pipes. It is powered and controlled remotely via a cable that connects from its rear to the operator’s position, using a controller similar to a gamepad.
The operator can view real-time video from a camera integrated into the head of the SPD1. This camera can be in the form of a Raspberry Pi 2 camera module or a 360-degree XDV360 camera. The advantage of the latter type is that instead of physically rotating and tilting the camera system, users only need to rotate and tilt on their own touchscreen.
The “spider eyes” of the robot are actually positioning lights and sensors, allowing it to assess its surrounding environment.
Three robots can be physically linked together with ties and then operate as a group.
While a single SPD1 can be used for pipeline inspections, TMSUK has envisioned a scenario where three robots can be physically linked together with ties and then operate as a group. In this setup, the lead robot will navigate through the pipes, the second robot will identify areas needing repairs, and the third robot will perform those repairs using a tool-holding arm.
SPD1 has been demonstrated at a “wastewater pipeline survey site,” and if it passes the usability tests, its commercial product will be announced.
To observe more closely how this robotic spider operates, check out the video below:
Japanese wastewater pipeline inspection robot
