Soft body robot for in-pipe missions

This invention describes a simple, unpowered robot designed to travel inside water pipes. It uses flexible, tapering body sections with specific dimensions to bend and navigate sharp turns and T-junctions. The robot carries various sensors or instruments, such as leak detectors, positioned within its body.

Why it matters: Advances in soft robotics and additive manufacturing since 2017 make custom soft body fabrication and material selection for pipe environments significantly more feasible and cost-effective. Miniaturized sensors are also more readily available.

Status: Not in forceListed as no longer active. The specific reason is not in the record we hold.
How hard to build: ModerateCustom soft body, material science, sensor integration.

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