Hong Kong authorities have invested HK$30 million (US$3.8 million) in developing water pipe robots, modelled after endoscopes, to navigate the city’s complex urban infrastructure and detect leaks, addressing risks posed by an ageing network.

The Water Supplies Department announced on Monday the opening of the Pipeline Robots Joint Laboratory, a collaboration with Polytechnic University and mainland Chinese robotics company Shenzhen Bwell Technology.

Under the two-year collaboration, researchers will develop a robot based on existing models from Bwell, designed to adapt to Hong Kong’s high-density environment.

Director of Water Supplies Roger Wong Yan-lok said the laboratory was a “crucial step” towards the department’s goal of reducing the leakage rate to below 10 per cent by 2030.

“Hong Kong’s water supply network is located underground in an environment with dense public utilities and frequent road work,” he said at the opening ceremony.

“To address these challenges, we have been actively exploring solutions suitable for Hong Kong’s unique environment, seeking leak detection methods that combine innovative technology and artificial intelligence.”