Moscow, Jan. 27, 2026
Scientists have developed a universal robot plumber for diagnosing and repairing pipes of various diameters from 500 to 1,400 millimetres.
Scientists at Perm National Research Polytechnic University and Volgograd State Agrarian University made the announcement, adding that the device guide is described on Perm University’s website.
According to the scientists, with the help of a gear-based design, the robot automatically adjusts to the diameter of the pipe and can move along vertical sections.
An intelligent system of six support “legs” with spring suspensions allows all twelve drive wheels of the device to maintain contact with the pipe wall, even on uneven surfaces or sharp turns.
Most analogues cannot pass through sharp bends in pipelines and are designed to perform tasks in pipes of a strictly defined diameter.
In practice, however, it is often necessary to work in more difficult conditions.
The new development by Russian scientists will be useful in the oil and chemical industries, as well as in public utilities, where water pipes and heating mains require regular repairs, inspection or cleaning.
Robotics is developing at a rapid pace in the BRICS countries.
Many countries in the group use automatic devices in the industry and many other areas.
India has developed a vacuum cleaner for cleaning railway tracks.
According to IANS, a partner of TV BRICS, a vacuum device for cleaning railway tracks and adjacent areas has been successfully tested in Ahmedabad.
Also in Brazil, robots are used to clean tanks on oil platforms, reports Brasil 247, a partner of TV BRICS.
The technology was tested on a floating installation for the extraction, storage and shipment of oil at sea, where the robot removed oil deposits.
Thanks to the remote control process, the robot operator’s health is not jeopardised.
Schoolchildren from South Africa are making significant progress in robotics, according to a report by IOL.
A team of five 12-to 13-year-old students won a competition by creating a robot that collects rubbish and delivers it to a designated bin.
