Advancements in Multi-Sensor Inspection (MSI) Technologies

Nearly 20 years ago, RedZone Robotics pioneered multi-sensor inspection (MSI) technology for assessment of large diameter gravity sewers. For the first time ever, commercial tools were available to finally overcome many of the obstacles that were previously encountered inspecting large diameter interceptors. There are countless combinations of collection system materials, sizes, shapes, and conditions that require innovative inspection technologies. Continually, more engineers and utility owners are utilizing these technologies to make more informed, cost-effective rehabilitation decisions. While inspection costs are a fraction of rehabilitation costs, the condition assessment provides invaluable information in the design process. However, different rehabilitation methods require different types of data to make informed design decisions. At the advent of MSI, the technology included closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and a variety of sensors for above-water and below-water data collection. When all of these data sensors are contained on a single platform, inspections can be economically performed in a single inspection run. Now, MSI has taken on different meanings depending on the application and context. It is important to ask some key questions before embarking on MSI assessment, such as: What sensors do I need? What is the difference between traditional CCTV and HD CCTV? Do I need 2D or 3D laser data? What are the different types of sonar technologies? Do I need to measure gases and temperature in the pipe? What does an IMU or inclinometer tell me? What are MSI deliverables? There is no 'one size fits all' when it comes to multi-sensor inspection technologies, so it's important to understand the basic mechanics of different sensors and how the collected information will benefit the design engineer. Sensors that were once considered advanced are now becoming commodities. Apple includes a LiDAR sensor on the latest iPhone. Now you can buy a GoPro camera with 4K resolution for $500. When it comes to MSI, the focus should be on sensor fusion and output of the technology. With modern advances in imaging technology, highly accurate photogrammetric models can be produced with only cameras. Continuous scanning 3D LiDAR sensors can produce digital twins from a floating platform. Are electromagnetic or ultrasonic sensors the next wave of MSI bolt-on technologies? This presentation, though actual case studies, will demystify MSI assessment and answer the following questions: - What is MSI assessment? - What sensors make up an MSI platform? - What updates have been made to MSI reports and deliverables? - How can MSI assessment benefit me? With all the new innovative sensors and technologies in the market today, it's important to understand the benefits, not necessarily the features, of MSI assessment.