Robots get smarter to work in sewers: PIPEON project kicks-off – Water Europe
Author: Water Europe | Source | Read the full article | Published on February 6, 2025
A new project called PIPEON is set to revolutionize how we maintain sewer systems across Europe. This initiative aims to develop advanced robots and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies that can inspect and repair sewer pipes without needing constant human supervision. The project, which is backed by the European Union and led by Tallinn University of Technology, will last four years and has a budget of €8 million.
The main goal of PIPEON is to create robots that can navigate the challenging and often dangerous environment of sewer systems. Currently, there are no robots capable of working independently in these harsh conditions, which makes the development of such technology crucial. Experts involved in the project believe that these autonomous robots could significantly improve the efficiency and safety of sewer maintenance, especially as Europe faces increasing environmental challenges and an aging workforce.
With over three million kilometers of sewer lines in Europe, the need for innovative solutions is more pressing than ever. The PIPEON project brings together a diverse team of researchers and technology companies to tackle these issues. By the end of the project, the team hopes to have tested robot prototypes in various sewer networks, paving the way for their widespread use in the 2030s.
