Russian scientists at Perm National Research Polytechnic University and Volgograd State Agrarian University have developed a universal robot that can move inside pipes of various diameters: from 500 to 1,400 millimetres. The device is described on the Perm university's website.

With the help of a gear-based design, the robot automatically adjusts to the diameter of the pipe and is also capable of moving along vertical sections. An intelligent system of six support "legs" with spring suspensions allows all 12 drive wheels of the device to maintain contact with the pipe wall, even on uneven surfaces or sharp turns.

Most analogues cannot pass through sharp bends in pipelines and are designed to perform tasks in pipes of a strictly defined diameter. In practice, however, it is often necessary to work in more difficult conditions.

The new development by Russian scientists will be useful in the oil and chemical industries, as well as in public utilities, where water pipes and heating mains regularly need to be repaired, inspected or cleaned.