By: Eric Close, RedZone Robotics 

Trenchless technology, often referred to as "no dig", is a rapidly growing engineering industry that eliminates the need for surface excavation. Trenchless technology is also used to minimize environmental damage and to reduce the costs associated with underground work. In other words, trenchless technology provides cost-effective sewer asset management. It involves pipe and sewer inspection, rehabilitation, and cleaning services.

"No dig" is exactly what it sounds like. There is no digging up of roads to replace gas and water pipes. When there is a need for pipe rehabilitation in the middle of a busy intersection, trenchless technology allows you to repair the pipe without having to dig up the entire road. Not only does this eliminate traffic problems, but it saves money because you do not need to repair the road that you would normally have dug up.

One of the most recent developments in trenchless technology is the use of robotics. One of the core benefits of using robotics is the measurable data it provides that allows agencies to better understand the state of their current systems. Robots are also able to enter hazardous environments that are too dangerous for people to access.

Trenchless technology robots are able to provide users with digital data. This includes sonar sewer profiling which creates a cross section of the surrounding pipe. Sonar sewer profiling allows for pipe inspection while the pipe is in service.

Virtual CCTV pipe inspection is another trenchless technology robotic capability that provides you with a high resolution, front hemispherical picture of the pipe giving you the ability to pan, zoom, tilt, and classify defects from a desktop computer. Never miss a defect!

Some trenchless robots are also capable of laser scanning. Laser scanning creates a three dimensional model of the surrounding environment, allowing for measurable results and visualization of features that may not be visible with CCTV pipe inspection.