Development and Outlook for Pipeline Inspection Robots

Background: Robots for pipeline inspection are frequently employed in long-distance oil, wastewater, and natural gas pipelines. Much complex research is being conductedon pipeline inspection robots, including work on fluid-driven and non-fluid-driven, among other things. Research on pipeline inspection robots can be advanced by examining their current stage of development. Additionally, pipeline inspection robots may be able to promote the growth of the pipeline transportation sector by creating new structures. Objective: This study aims to examine the benefits and drawbacks of several pipeline inspection robots and theirdevelopment trend through the lens of the most recent advancements in the field. Methods: Through the structure and application scenarios of the latest representative patents of pipeline inspection robots, the working principle and characteristics of pipeline inspection robots are demonstrated. Results: The shortcomings of the current pipeline inspection robots are highlighted, along with potential future development pathways and research issues, by comparing pipeline inspection robots of various structures. Conclusion: The development of pipeline inspection robots has benefited the construction of sewage, oil, natural gas, and long-distance pipelines, as well as long-distance pipeline transportation. Because of these robots' unique features and ample room for advancement, pipeline inspection robots have even more development prospects.