Engineering
Beyond the Bend: A Smart Solution for Complex Pipe Inspections
About the project
Beyond the Bend is an early-stage concept design exploring new approaches to addressing inspection and maintenance challenges in hard-to-reach or confined areas. While the technology is still in its formative stages, it has been developed to deliver improved accessibility, precision, and safety in environments where conventional tools and methods are limited.
The concept has not yet moved into prototyping or field testing. To refine the design and demonstrate its potential, we are actively seeking use cases and operational challenges that would specifically benefit from this type of solution. It is anticipated that Beyond the Bend will form part of our next product development portfolio, contributing to our pipeline of innovative tools and systems designed to solve complex engineering problems.
📍 Sellafield, UK
💼 Nuclear
⚙️ P3 Management
Challenge
Inspection Challenges in Complex Pipe Systems
Inspecting long, narrow pipe systems with single access points, sharp bends, and internal constrictions as small as 20mm presents a significant challenge across many industries. These complex geometries often limit the effectiveness of conventional inspection tools, leaving critical sections unexamined and increasing the risk of undetected damage or blockages. A reliable, adaptable solution is needed to navigate these environments, deliver high-quality inspection data, and support timely maintenance decisions.
Solution
RATS: Modular Robotic System for Complex Pipe Inspection
We are developing an innovative inspection concept designed to navigate long, narrow, and highly constricted pipe systems with minimal access points. The concept aims to travel through sharp bends and internal restrictions as small as 20mm, capturing high-quality visual and measurement data throughout its journey. By enabling full coverage of previously inaccessible sections, this technology has the potential to transform inspection capability in challenging pipework environments. While still at the concept stage, it is being shaped to meet industry demand and is expected to form part of our future product development portfolio.
Process
Structured Development and Deployment Roadmap for RATS
Development follows a structured timeline, beginning with sourcing and 3D printing parts to create the first prototypes. These are assembled, tested, and refined based on performance results. Demonstrations with industry partners provide valuable feedback, helping us adapt the design for real-world conditions. The final stage involves completing a roadmap for deployment, identifying target sectors, and planning wider industry adoption.
If you have an inspection challenge involving hard-to-reach or highly constricted pipework, we would like to hear from you. Engaging early means we can explore your requirements, assess the suitability of this technology, and potentially shape the solution to address your specific needs as part of its development journey.
Benefits
Comprehensive, Adaptable, and Efficient Pipe Inspection Solution
Full Inspection Capability – Enables access to previously unreachable pipe sections.
Adaptability – Modular design allows adjustments for different pipe sizes and applications.
Efficiency & Accuracy – Reduces inspection time while providing high-quality HD footage.
Ease of Use – Portable, self-contained system for single-person operation.
Cross-Industry Potential – Applicable beyond nuclear, including defense, utilities, and oil & gas.
