Inspecting sewer systems is a major challenge for local governments, system operators, and industry stakeholders. Sewers, collectors, and underground structures are subject to numerous stresses, including aging infrastructure, water infiltration, sediment buildup, corrosion, and structural damage. However, accessing these environments often remains difficult and poses significant risks to operators.
At Multinnov, we develop solutions designed forthe visual inspection of hard-to-reach infrastructure. With the Stereo3, our next-generation indoor drone, we offer an innovative approach to exploring underground networks and performing precise inspections in confined spaces, while enhancing the safety of operations.
Stereo3: a drone designed for sewer inspection
Sewer systems present numerous operational challenges. Moisture, darkness, limited access, and the potential presence of hazardous atmospheres make traditional inspections difficult.
To address these issues, we have designed the Stereo3, a drone specifically developed for inspections in confined spaces. Unlike drones designed for outdoor use, this solution is designed to operate in areas where GPS signals are absent or severely disrupted.
Our goal is simple: to enable operators to quickly gain a detailed overview of the condition of their infrastructure without unnecessarily exposing teams to hazardous areas.
The Stereo3 can be used for:
- inspection of sewers and collection pipes;
- inspection of utility tunnels;
- the exploration of underground networks;
- assessing hard-to-reach areas prior to an operation;
- the search for visible defects in infrastructure.
Thanks to this approach, ITV inspections have become more flexible and responsive. Operators now have a tool that allows them to quickly access areas that previously required more extensive logistical resources.
Advanced technology for safer inspections
One of the Stereo3’s key strengths is its optical stabilization system, which uses stereoscopic vision. This technology relies on multiple cameras that allow the drone to analyze its surroundings in real time and maintain stable flight, even in confined spaces without GPS.
This capability is particularly important in sewer systems, where the accuracy of the movements directly affects the quality of the inspections.
To ensure excellent image quality, we have also equipped the Stereo3 with an inspection camera capable of recording in 4K. The images captured allow for the identification of numerous potential defects:
- cracks;
- structural damage;
- corrosion;
- large deposits;
- visual abnormalities requiring further investigation.
Visibility is another major challenge in sewer systems. Since these infrastructures are generally shrouded in darkness, the Stereo3 is equipped with a powerful lighting system capable of producing up to approximately 13,000 lumens, according to specifications provided by Multinnov. This light output significantly improves visibility of the inspected surfaces and facilitates the detection of defects.
We have also incorporated a carbon fiber protective cage designed to safeguard the drone when it comes into contact with obstacles. In narrow or irregular ducts, this durability is essential for ensuring uninterrupted operations.
Beyond its technical capabilities, this innovation addresses, above all, a human concern: limiting operators’ exposure to the risks associated with working in confined spaces. Inspections can be conducted remotely using real-time video feed, thereby reducing the need to enter potentially hazardous environments.
The Future of Urban Network Maintenance
Today, network operators are looking for solutions that can improve the reliability of diagnostics while keeping operating costs under control.
Following this logic, the Stereo3 is fully aligned with a preventive maintenance approach. The visual data collected makes it possible to accurately document the condition of structures and track their evolution over time. Teams can thus more quickly identify areas requiring intervention and better plan maintenance operations.
There are many benefits for operators:
- improved safety during operations;
- reducing risks associated with confined spaces;
- time savings during inspections;
- greater operational efficiency;
- optimization of service costs;
- improved diagnostic accuracy;
- Enhanced traceability thanks to the images and videos collected.
In a context where infrastructure is aging and environmental requirements are becoming stricter, having access to high-performancevisual inspection tools is becoming a key driver of competitiveness. Inspection drones are thus helping to transform inspection methods and modernize the management of urban networks.
At Multinnov, we are convinced that the future of sewer network inspection lies in safer, faster, and more accurate solutions. With the Stereo3, we provide operators with an indoor drone specifically designed to navigate confined spaces and deliver reliable data without direct human intervention in hazardous areas. Thanks to its stereoscopic stabilization, high-definition camera, and powerful lighting, this technology helps improve infrastructure maintenance while enhancing the safety and efficiency of inspection operations.
