Minister hails micro-robots during university lab visit
Universities and Science Minister Chris Skidmore viewed the world through the eyes of a miniature robot during a visit to a laboratory.
The device is part of a £7.2 million project to develop futuristic micro-robots that will work in underground pipe networks.
Mr Skidmore, MP for Kingswood in Gloucestershire, wore a headset linked to the robot as it moved through a laboratory at the University of Bristol.
Small wonders: Science Minister Chris Skidmore caught on camera today during a visit to the lab of Professor Bruce Drinkwater, a key member of a £7 million EPSRC-funded project developing tiny robots to find and fix leaks in underground water pipes https://t.co/q2rXDXTyKC. pic.twitter.com/yEK8cI6vMC
— EPSRC (@EPSRC) January 4, 2019
Four universities, including Bristol, are beginning a five-year project to develop the tiny devices, which will eventually become as small as 1cm long.
The robots will use sensors, navigation and communication systems to detect, report and mend faults in the pipes and eliminate the need for human intervention.
They will carry out repairs without digging up roads, leading to the end of many disruptive and expensive roadworks.
Roadworks cost businesses around £5bn every year 😲This morning @CSkidmoreUK met the talented team at @BristolUni exploring an innovative solution – building sensors for tiny robots that will find & repair damage in underground pipes🤖#IndustrialStrategyhttps://t.co/fHuYd1LPBQpic.twitter.com/HYwzOoKOy1
— Dept for BEIS (@beisgovuk) January 4, 2019
Mr Skidmore, previously a part-time history tutor at the university, said the work had “huge potential”.
“There is approximately £5.5 billion spent on road repairs every year, with 1.5 million roads dug up,” he said.
The project, funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), is being led by the University of Sheffield.
Was a huge pleasure to show @CSkidmoreUK around our lab… thanks to all who helped… especially @LeedsRobotics for the robots https://t.co/tPtpSj59fz
— Bruce Drinkwater (@sonic_bruce) January 4, 2019
It also includes the development of ultrasonic array imaging, the engineering equivalent of ultrasound used on people.
This technology will be mounted to the miniature robots to look for cracks in pipe networks.
Professor Bruce Drinkwater, of the University of Bristol, said the project would involve around 30 academics, researchers and students at the four universities.
“Here at Bristol, we are developing the sensors that are responsible for navigation, communication between robots and with the base station, and also the detection of leaks, blockages and more subtle damage such as cracking and corrosion,” he said.
“We are absolutely delighted to be involved in this new technology.
“It is also a great topic to talk to people about and enthuse them about engineering.”