Do you ever get tired of political pandemonium, techno prattle and human confusion?
How about leaky pipes? Oh gag.
Eureka Springs has its share of Victorian-era pipes, just like all other 146-year-old-cities. They’re old, not well-mapped and corroded by fluoride. What to do?
Hello, technology! British researchers at the Integrated Civil and Infrastructure Research Centre has found a way to sidestep digging and disruption by inserting pipebots, exploratory contraptions the size of toy cars, into hydrants.
The pipebots scan for cracks and corrosion that lead to busted pipes. These little miracles can prevent water loss by identifying weak spots. They constantly inspect and detect, giving Public Works a fighting chance before backups, blockages, breaks and overflows make everybody mad.
These miniature investigators have cameras, sensors, and no hesitation about being underground. They travel uphill, around tight corners, and through 4-way stops. Pipebots will soon even repair underground pipes.
When water loss is prevented, it’s not paid for by residents who didn’t break or use it.