The company Osaka Gas Co together and the University of Osaka
(Osaka University) have joined efforts to develop robots that can move freely
and perform internal inspection of pipelines.


This is especially important when replacing pipes in the city limits, because
today for inspections to dig the road. And it is expensive and inconvenient. And
besides, the accident occurred bring more financial and moral troubles.

But in connection with the development of a robot that moves through pipes and
transmits images of the inner surfaces of pipes, can be accurately defined
emergency places and take rapid countermeasures.

Robot – spindle apparatus, formed of a spiral of stainless steel, in combination
with a small engine and tires. Its maximum diameter – 17 inches, and length –
about 1 meter. This flexible design allows to move inside the tube and gently
enter the turns.