Intelligent Build.tech Issue 02 | Page 39

SURVEYING THE SECTOR

Remote engineering partners : The inspection robots keeping water flowing

According to water regulator Ofwat , around three billion litres of water are lost through water pipe leaks in the UK every day . With over 400,000 miles of pipes making up our water infrastructure , spotting cracks and finding leaks isn ’ t an easy task . Could robotics provide the answer ? In this article , Dave Walsha , sales manager at DC motor supplier EMS , explains how inspection robots could help secure our water supply .

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With the responsibility of providing crucial water services to millions of homes and businesses up and down the country , the demand placed on water management companies is high . But the sector is currently facing a wealth of problems . Much of the current infrastructure is aging , with old pipes often made from materials that are no longer fit for purpose , such as rust-prone iron .
An aging network isn ’ t the only issue . Environmental factors , such as heavy traffic or
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