By proactively identifying and addressing blockages and structural weaknesses before they escalate, this initiative aligns with the European Commission's newly approved Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. The directive seeks to mitigate pollution from sewer overflows, improving public health and environmental sustainability.
"Robots are generally employed for tasks that are dirty, repetitive, and hazardous, often replacing human intervention in inaccessible locations," said Kruusmaa. "However, few recognize that one of the most difficult and hazardous environments exists just beneath our feet in sewer networks."
Current robotics technology lacks the ability to function autonomously in such conditions for extended periods. The sewer environment is not only physically restrictive but also devoid of natural light, external communication signals, and detailed mapping data.
"To navigate these extreme conditions, we must design innovative locomotion mechanisms to enable robots to traverse waste-laden water filled with debris and fats. Additionally, new control strategies will be necessary for navigation in complete darkness within pipes of varying diameters and complex layouts," she added.
AI advancements are also crucial for the project's success. Unlike large-scale AI systems that rely on extensive computing power, sewer robots must process data efficiently within their compact onboard systems. "We are developing AI models specifically tailored to low-power, real-time decision-making to ensure robots can operate independently for extended durations without human intervention," explained Kruusmaa.
Led by TalTech, the project brings together 12 partners, including prominent institutions such as the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of Sheffield. Additionally, several European technology firms are contributing innovative solutions, including the Italian start-up Herobots, which is developing novel actuation mechanisms for the robots.
Professor Simon Tait, a water engineering expert at the University of Sheffield, highlighted the necessity of new maintenance solutions for Europe's extensive sewer networks. "With over 3 million kilometers of sewer infrastructure across Europe facing the challenges of climate change, evolving regulations, and a declining workforce, autonomous robotic systems offer a promising alternative for sustaining essential services."
By the project's conclusion, researchers anticipate demonstrating fully functional robotic prototypes in various sewer networks across Europe. This milestone could pave the way for large-scale implementation in the 2030s, fundamentally transforming sewer maintenance practices.
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