"The robot shows great potential as a valuable tool for detecting issues in the sewer system and creating detailed sewer maps."
-------- Review from Future Art & Design Award
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Project description
As extreme weather events become increasingly frequent, urban infrastructure faces mounting challenges, particularly in the maintenance of rainwater drainage systems. The efficiency and safety of sewer cleaning operations play a crucial role in urban disaster prevention. Addressing the challenges of cleaning small- to medium-sized sewer pipelines, we have developed a modular semi-automatic sewer cleaning system that integrates intelligent technology and biomimetic mechanical design to deliver a safer and more efficient solution.
Inspired by the agile movement of spiders, the system employs a six-legged biomimetic structure capable of adapting to the complex terrain of sewer environments. Its core functionalities include high-pressure water jet cleaning, sludge suction, debris shredding, and automated waste collection. Additionally, a mechanical arm is equipped to gather large debris and transport it to the manhole for removal, effectively addressing the inefficiencies and safety hazards of manual operations.
The system utilizes SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) technology to generate real-time sewer maps, combined with intelligent image analysis to enable autonomous cleaning processes. To handle the high recoil forces generated by water jet operations, we reinforced the rear leg joints, ensuring stability and durability. Its modular design allows technicians to customize functional modules, such as water jet or waste collection systems, according to specific operational needs, significantly reducing costs.
Constructed with corrosion-resistant stainless steel, lightweight aluminum alloys, and high-strength engineering plastics, the system is designed for reliability in harsh, damp environments. By enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human exposure to hazardous conditions, this design exemplifies the application of advanced technology in public safety.
Through modularity and intelligent design, we envision this system becoming a vital component of urban disaster prevention, elevating sewer cleaning operations to new levels of efficiency and sustainability.