Chennai water board (CMWSSB) brings robots to tackle water leaks

The Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) is set to embrace novel and creative approaches to tackle pipeline obstructions and leaks, aiming to conserve water and amplify the city’s water resources. In order to address losses during water transmission and distribution, the CMWSSB is employing specially equipped robots with built-in cameras. These robots, referred to as Endobots, conduct thorough inspections of water pipelines, promptly identifying issues like leaks, corrosion, and contamination.

The Endobots, employed by CMWSSB, possess the capability to examine pipelines spanning from 90 mm to 900 mm in diameter. CMWSSB says that they can proficiently detect up to 15 different types of problems. The visual data gathered by these robots is seamlessly transmitted to the user’s computer, facilitating swift and efficient action. Initially, the program is being tested in central zones to optimize the identification and resolution of pipeline challenges.

To expand this initiative, CMWSSB intends to procure an additional four robots through their collaboration with Solinas Integrity Pvt. Ltd., a startup incubated at IIT-Madras that has created the Endobot.

Currently in operation within zones 11 and 14 of CMWSSB, these robots are anticipated to play a pivotal role in enhancing the upkeep of the water supply and sewerage system, thereby contributing to more effective maintenance overall.

Delhi Jal Board had recently adopted novel technology that would employ helium gas and robotic cameras to check leakages in the water pipelines in the national capital to ensure that water loss doesn’t happen through these leakages besides controlling water theft. These methods are also helping the water supply boards to ensure that water contamination doesn’t take place as many of the pipelines in Indian cities run through drains and sewage networks and mixing of wastewater with the potable water takes place often.