Motorized Precision in Pipelines

Deep underground, where light fades and sludge builds up, robots are taking on the dirty work—and a Swiss drive system is powering their precision

How do you inspect aging sewer pipelines buried deep underground? In Goa, Solinas Integrity tackled this challenge head-on, implementing a comprehensive pipeline inspection project to identify blockages, corrosion, and structural defects. To ensure precise navigation and reliable operation of their inspection robots, Solinas sought components from maxon India, whose advanced motor-drive systems played a critical role in the project’s success.

Solinas Integrity is an innovative technology company based in India, specializing in AI-driven robotics solutions for infrastructure inspection and maintenance. The company is at the forefront of developing advanced robotic systems for critical sectors such as water, wastewater, and pipeline networks.

Project Overview

Solinas Integrity’s project in Goa focused on inspecting sewer pipelines across key urban areas. The objective was to detect pipeline defects using robotic inspection systems equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors. The rugged pipeline environment demanded robust drive systems capable of withstanding water, debris, and uneven surfaces.

Why is pipeline inspection so challenging?

Picture this: Dark, narrow corridors filled with sludge and debris, where visibility is limited, and structural weaknesses are hidden beneath layers of sediment. Traditional inspection tools simply couldn’t handle these conditions, often falling short in terms of power, control, and durability. The challenges are:

• Navigating narrow, irregular pipeline sections while maintaining stability.
• Ensuring optimal motor performance under wet and debris-filled conditions.
• Achieving precise control and positioning for accurate inspection data.

For Solinas, the mission was clear but complex: Finding motor systems that combined compact size, powerful torque, and precise control proved difficult - until maxon stepped in with a solution.

maxon provided Solinas with a customized drive solution that included the DCX motor and the GPX gearbox with encoder. The integration of these components delivered:

• High Power Density: The DCX motor provided the necessary torque to propel the inspection robot through narrow, debris-filled pipelines.
• Smooth Back Drivability: GPX gearbox ensured smooth, controlled motion, preventing wear and tear while maintaining precision.
• Accurate Position Feedback: The encoder offered precise tracking capabilities, essential for pinpointing structural defects during inspection.

Impact and Results

In short, maxon transformed the way of pipeline inspection. The enhanced torque allowed robots to traverse narrow sections with ease, while the encoder’s precision enabled them to identify structural anomalies with unparalleled clarity.

Moreover, the compact design of maxon’s systems allowed for a streamlined robot structure, optimizing both mobility and energy efficiency. This resulted in shorter inspection times, reduced operational costs, and more accurate data collection. Goa’s municipal authorities now have access to actionable insights on pipeline integrity, allowing them to address potential issues before they escalate into costly breakdowns.

What’s next?

As the demand for pipeline inspection grows, maxon India continues to support Solinas with reliable drive solutions tailored to challenging inspection environments. By enhancing robotic capabilities, maxon is not only enabling Solinas to deliver more accurate pipeline assessments but also setting a benchmark for industrial-grade motor systems in the infrastructure inspection sector.