Local Tech Startup Tackles Water Main Breaks with Innovative AI Technology

DETROIT (WXYZ) — As the streets of southwest Detroit continue to recover from a significant water main break, a local tech startup is paving the way for future prevention through innovative technology. Enter Motmot, a dynamic new company nestled within the Newlab building on the Michigan Central Station campus, driven by a small yet dedicated team of engineers.

For the past few years, they’ve been working diligently on the Motbot, an autonomous underwater inspection device designed to examine municipal water lines.

Revolutionizing Water Maintenance

Elliot Smith, the co-founder and CEO of Motmot, offers insight into the Motbot’s purpose: “This is an inspection tool. We put it directly in a water main pipe to look for potential issues. It comes equipped with a camera for visual inspections and uses acoustic technology to listen for leaks.” With emerging technologies like the Motbot, Smith expresses hope that cities will encounter fewer disruptive and costly water main breaks.

In his previous role as a municipal engineering consultant, Smith saw first-hand the challenges cities faced while managing aging infrastructure. “We planned expensive projects often backed by guesswork. This motivates us to develop a solution that provides clear insights into these pipelines before problems arise,” he explained.

Testing the Waters

The Motbot has been in development since 2022 and is currently undergoing extensive testing at Michigan State University and the University of Michigan. Notably, MSU’s water works department has decommissioned 1,000 feet of water main pipe specifically for these tests.

As it stands, the Motbot navigates water pipes autonomously, using the flow of water and propellers. However, the team is hard at work on a second prototype that will allow the device to make turns, significantly expanding its inspection range. “With this new capability, we can transition from inspecting five miles of straight pipes to potentially hundreds of miles,” Smith remarked excitedly, showcasing a 3D-printed model of the innovative design.

A Call for Public Awareness

Smith emphasizes that Motmot’s mission extends beyond just technology; it’s about raising public awareness. “Many don’t realize how critical our underground systems are—most are very old and need constant attention.” Educating the community on the importance of monitoring these resources is a crucial part of their initiative.

Motmot plans to officially launch a pilot program in East Lansing this June, aiming to attract more cities interested in implementing this revolutionary technology. So far, the interest has been overwhelmingly positive.

Join the Movement

Curious to learn more about keeping our water infrastructure in shape? For further details about Motmot’s technology and mission, check out their website.

As we witness the evolution of smart solutions in the realm of public utilities, the potential for positive change is enormous. The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts!