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Robots fixing sewers

The robots that navigate sewer pipes to find leaks and blockages so people don't have to.

Robots that navigate sewer pipes are being used to find leaks and blockages in an ancient water system.

They’re being put to work in Pune, India, to access dangerous and noxious spots that otherwise would be checked by people.

The sewage systems are more than 100 years old and the maps have been lost or are just outdated. So the robots are being used to update the maps, which should eventually lead to less leaks and so less contamination in the water.

But the machines also replace manual work that is done by some of the poorest members of Indian society. We explore what it will mean for their wellbeing and livelihoods.

Presenter: Myra Anubi
Reporter: Chhavi Sachdev
Executive producer: Tom Colls
Editor: Penny Murphy

Image: The sewer robot in Pune

Available now

23 minutes

Last on

Sun 15 May 2022 09:06GMT

Broadcasts

  • Tue 10 May 2022 07:06GMT
  • Tue 10 May 2022 14:06GMT
  • Tue 10 May 2022 21:06GMT
  • Sun 15 May 2022 09:06GMT

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