PIBAIR

RAIN was a community of enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and motivated individuals working together to solve some of the most challenging robotics problems in the world.


At its core were ten research institutions, led by the University of Manchester, each bringing their own expertise.

The PIBAIR is a small tethered platform designed for use in a 2” pipe network, capable of entering the pipe through entry points smaller than 2”, and traverse around pipe geometry to characterise and explore the space.


The PIBAIR can carry a gamma detector, but could be configured for a number of different sensors and applications within a 2” pipe environment.


Key Features:


  • Tethered pipe bore inspection robot designed to survey 2” pipe networks.
  • Capable of traversing zero-degree pipe bends and T-sections
  • Capable of carrying payload of a compact gamma spectrometer and navigational camera.
  • Low cost, disposable platform for pipe bore exploration.
  • Highly mobile design capable of a high degree of orientation control, with six driven wheels on each module and articulated body.
  • Capable of deployment through 20mm minimum entry points.
  • Multiple PIBAIR modules can be spaced along the tether for strain relief and increased payload.


Technical specification:


  • External dimensions – Length 96mm X 65mm (maximum wheel diameter).
  • Weight – 36g per PIBAIR module, without tether.
  • Payload weight – 300g.
  • Communication interface – Umbilical power and data communication.
  • Operation mode – Tele-operated.
  • Battery/run time – Indefinite using tether, not yet configured for battery use
  • Tether/tether management – Current design operating at 2m, with further development planned for 10m+.
  • Drive system – 6 motor and wheel assemblies
  • Built in sensors – On board camera and LED lights.
  • Velocity – 45 mm/s

PIBAIR

2” PIPE BORE EXPLORATION, INSPECTION AND CHARACTERISATION ROBOT