Wireless Pig
Carnegie Mellon university has developed a wireless robot that explores gas mains, currently being tested in New York. This robot is capable of making 90 degree turns inside the pipes, and travelling nearly half a mile from the operator.
There have been "pigs" like this used for a long time to do pipeline inspections, but they have not been wireless, nor nearly as dextrous.
"It is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to using high-tech wireless inspection devices in areas traditionally thought to be inaccessible to human beings. The implications to potential cost-savings for preventative maintenance, inspection and emergency response should not be overlooked by any utility that has to manage its underground infrastructure."
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