NWG Pipebot Patrol Showcase 2026

Want to hear the latest updates from Pipebot Patrol and explore what’s next for autonomous sewer inspection and maintenance? Join us to hear the latest from Pipebot Patrol, an Ofwat Water Innovation Fund project, developing the world’s first autonomous sewer robot to support a more proactive approach to sewer maintenance, mapping and spill reduction. Led by Northumbrian Water in partnership with Cura Terrae, the University of Sheffield and Minicam Group, the project brings together expertise in sewer networks, robotics, sensing and autonomous technology. In December 2025, our first Pipebot Patrol showcase explored the technology's development, from early design and testing to preparations for trials in live sewer environments. Now, as the project nears completion, we’re bringing the team back together to share the results, achievements and learnings from the journey so far. Pipebot Patrol is developing autonomous robotic technology to inspect sewer networks and identify potential blockages as they begin to form. By providing earlier and more precise information on emerging issues, the technology could help maintenance teams intervene before problems lead to sewer flooding or spills. This showcase explored: -What Pipebot Patrol has achieved -Results and findings from the project’s development and testing -Key technical and practical lessons learned along the way -How the project and technology have evolved since the previous showcase -What comes next for Pipebot Patrol and the future development of the technology Whether you joined us for the first showcase or are discovering Pipebot Patrol for the first time, this session will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the project team and understand the progress made towards autonomous sewer inspection and maintenance. Timestamps: 00:00:00 - 00:08:24 Spring intro 00:08:24 - 00:14:37 Context setting 00:14:38 - 00:21:22 Project road map and recognition 00:21:23 - 00:36:36 Technical overview 00:36:37 - 00:42:33 Benefits and impact 00:42:34 - 00:53:14 Lessons learned 00:53:15 - 1:03:07 Future direction 1:03:08 - 1:32:26 Q&A