BWELL, WSD & PolyU Launch Asia's First PIPELINE ROBOTS JOINT LABORATORY
On September 1, BWELL Technology signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Hong Kong Water Supplies Department (WSD) and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) at the Q-Leak Underground Water Pipe Leakage Detection Center in Tsing Yi, officially launching Asia’s first Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory. The laboratory is dedicated to advancing pipeline robotics technology and driving the development of smart water management in Hong Kong.
Breaking Traditional Barriers to Advance Smart Water Management
Hong Kong’s water supply network is highly complex, and traditional inspection methods face significant limitations. Mr. Wong, Director of the Water Supplies Department, emphasized that the WSD has long been committed to collaborating with different organizations to research and apply advanced technologies, continuously exploring innovative approaches to enhance pipeline inspection efficiency.
The newly established Joint Laboratory aims to develop advanced multifunctional robotic technologies to achieve high-precision pipeline inspections, minimizing the risks of pipe bursts and leakages.
Leveraging years of expertise in underground pipeline robotics and AI, BWELL plays a key role in the Joint Laboratory, providing technical support for the safe and efficient operation of Hong Kong’s water supply network, while jointly developing localized, versatile robotic solutions tailored to needs.
BWELL’s Technological Strength: A Solid Foundation for Collaboration
According to a senior engineer from the WSD, various pipeline inspection methods have been tested in the past. However, most existing technologies were designed for overseas conditions and proved less effective in Hong Kong, where higher water pressure, complex pipe bends, and dense urban road networks make precise monitoring challenging.
BWELL’s Snake1000 robot has undergone field testing in multiple pipelines. The WSD has already deployed this device in areas such as Queen’s Hill and the outlying islands, where it successfully located leaks and assessed pipe wall conditions. The results demonstrated excellent adaptability to Hong Kong’s unique infrastructure, offering a more suitable and effective inspection solution.
Synergy for Innovation and Global Impact
This collaboration brings together the complementary strengths of BWELL, WSD, and PolyU, forming a powerful innovation alliance. Building on its technological experience and successful applications in mainland China, BWELL will contribute advanced solutions and technical expertise to the Joint Laboratory.
The laboratory not only provides a strong platform for testing and optimizing pipeline robotics tailored to Hong Kong’s challenges, but also supports the internationalization of Chinese pipeline robotics technology—leveraging Hong Kong’s unique position as a gateway between mainland China and global markets.
Looking ahead, the Joint Laboratory will continue to expand the functions of pipeline robots, such as integrating water quality sensors and noise detection capabilities. As these technologies mature, they will enhance water service quality for Hong Kong citizens and contribute to positioning China as a global pioneer in smart water management.