TD-238 - Autonomous drone for sewer inspections

Design study of an autonomous inspection drone

The Emscher sewer is a century-old project that prevents commercial and domestic wastewater from flowing into the natural waters of the River Emscher in western Germany. Currently, inspection of these sewers requires heavy equipment and a lot of manpower. Workers are lowered into the shaft, where the environment is often toxic. Inspection speed is restricted by law as real-time monitoring of the measurement data is carried out. This is where the TD-238 comes in. This lightweight autonomous drone can reduce inspection time from several days to just one hour and protect operators from having to work in a toxic environment.

JURY STATEMENT

It's wonderful to see drone technology put to such positive civilian use. Wastewater management is the linchpin of urban sustainability.

WINNER STATEMENT

We are very proud that such a functional and specific device was selected for an iF DESIGN STUDENT AWARD. Thanks to this award, we can raise awareness of the need to use high-tech devices in wastewater systems to ensure access to clean water in times of water scarcity.

UNIVERSITY

Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal

Magdeburg, DE

WINNER

Michel Pieczynski

Hochschule Magdeburg-Stendal