Sewer robot deployed to detect blockages

A sewer robot that monitors pipework and raises blockage alerts before flooding occurs is set for its first mission. Pipebot Patrol is a 1.8m project led by Northumbrian Water and funded by the Ofwat Water Breakthrough Challenge. The robot can inspect miles of pipes over a 30-day period and automatically report back issues from underground. A spokesman for the water company said the robot would be a "game-changer" and would help cut down the number of emergency repairs. Northumbria Water said 10 organisations had played a part in the robot's development, including councils in Sunderland, Gateshead and Newcastle.