The Water Supplies Department, together with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and Bwell Technology signed a memorandum of cooperation and will jointly develop pipeline robots suitable for inspecting water supply pipes in Hong Kong.
Opening speech by Mr. Wong Yan Lok Roger, Director of the Water Supplies Department, for the Opening Ceremony of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory.
Ir. Prof. Wallace Lai, Associate Head of Department (Teaching) from LSGI, explains the mechanism of pipeline robots to detect water leaks. Photos credited by the Water Supplies Department.
Demonstration of pipeline robots and other related equipment. Photos credited by Sing Tao Daily.
The Department of Land Surveying and Geo-Informatics (LSGI) at PolyU has signed a MoU with the Water Supplies Department (WSD) of HKSAR Government and Shenzhen Bwell Technology Co., Ltd. to establish the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory on 1 September 2025, located at Tsing Yi Q-Leak. This collaboration will focus on advancing pipeline robotics technologies, specifically the Intelligent Pipescope, designed for inspecting water mains.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Wong Yan Lok Roger - Director of the Water Supplies Department, pointed out that Hong Kong’s water supply network is located underground, where public facilities are densely packed. As a result, it inevitably faces a certain degree of risk of pipe bursts and leakage. The core objective of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory is to independently develop advanced, multifunctional pipeline robot technology, including acoustic sensors, high-definition cameras, and positioning sensors. The Intelligent Pipescope employs advanced acoustic sensors, high-definition imaging, and AI-powered algorithms to conduct non-destructive internal inspections of pressurized water mains. AI will then be used to analyze the relevant data in order to address the unique challenges of Hong Kong’s water supply network, such as different pipe materials, high water pressure, and complex networks with many bends and branches, with the aim of reducing water leakage to below 10% by 2030.
Ir Prof. Wallace Lai, Associate Head (Teaching) of LSGI, explained the mechanisms by which pipeline robots detect water leaks and shared insights into advanced utility inspection and innovative methodologies. Over the next two years, LSGI researchers will focus on developing pipeline robotics technologies tailored to Hong Kong’s high-density urban environment, building upon existing models from Bwell.
This project not only enhances operational efficiency but also paves the way for future advancements in water quality monitoring, reinforcing the commitment to urban water security. The partnership exemplifies LSGI’s dedication to impactful research and innovation in sustainable infrastructure.
Following the announcement and subsequent media coverage, Ir Prof Wallace Lai was interviewed by RTHK Radio 3 on 15 September 2025 regarding the partnership. You may listen to the RTHK Backchat interview on ‘Smart Pipes’ by clicking here.
Online coverage:
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Headline Daily - http://polyu.me/427RdSo
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Hong Kong China News Agency - https://polyu.me/3JZcFmo
