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Water Supplies Department establishes Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory (with photos)
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     The Water Supplies Department (WSD) today (1 September) announced the establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, which focuses on developing pipeline robotics technologies and promoting the research and development for local technologies of water mains inspection robots, named Intelligent Pipescope. These robots will be used to assess the internal conditions of pressurised water mains of the water supply network. The WSD signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co Ltd to jointly develop the relevant technologies.
      
     In his speech at the ceremony, the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, stated that the WSD has committed to collaborating with various institutions to develop and apply advanced technologies in driving the development of smart water in Hong Kong. The WSD is actively exploring innovative methods to enhance the skills and efficiency of water mains inspections. The WSD expects that, through the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, the development of robots for operating in diverse pipeline conditions will be accelerated. This will enable highly accurate inspections, thereby reducing the risks of pipe bursts and leaks, and potentially extending to monitoring water quality.
      
     The core objective of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory is to independently develop multifunctional advanced pipeline robotics technologies, including acoustic sensors, high-definition cameras, and positioning instruments. These robots will also utilise artificial intelligence to analyse relevant data in order to address the unique characteristics of Hong Kong's water supply network, which includes variations in materials, high water pressure, and numerous bends and branches. Taking into account the rapid development and mature applications of robotics technologies on the Mainland in recent years, the WSD considered that robotics technologies that suit Hong Kong's needs will be developed more effectively through close collaboration with a local university and a Mainland pipeline robotics developer. At the same time, the unique complexity of the water supply network in Hong Kong will serve as an ideal testing platform, facilitating the entry of Mainland pipeline robotics technologies into international markets and leveraging Hong Kong's unique position to connect with both the Mainland and the world.
      
     The WSD has consistently strived to optimise water supply services through the efficient use of resources and technologies to meet the needs of Hong Kong's vast population. The establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory represents a significant milestone in the development of smart water. It is anticipated that this initiative will promote more collaboration and application of smart detection technologies between the Mainland and Hong Kong, contributing to positioning both the nation and Hong Kong as global benchmarks in smart water. 
 
Ends/Monday, September 1, 2025
Issued at HKT 18:03
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The Water Supplies Department today (September 1) announced the establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory. Photo shows the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong, speaking at the opening ceremony of the joint laboratory.
The Water Supplies Department today (September 1) announced the establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co Ltd to jointly develop the relevant technologies. Photo shows the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (centre), with the Dean of the Faculty of Construction and Environment of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Li Xiangdong (left), and the President of Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co Ltd, Mr Dai Yi (right).
The Water Supplies Department today (September 1) announced the establishment of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory. Photo shows the Director of Water Supplies, Mr Roger Wong (first left); the Vice President (Research and Innovation) of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Christopher Chao (second right); and the President of Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co Ltd, Mr Dai Yi (first right), officiating at the plaque unveiling ceremony .