Cadent has pioneered the use of “gas-bots” in repairing underground mains without the need for excavations.

Following trials in Oxford Street and The Strand last year the programme is now being expanded across the capital.

Cadent is using the robotic engineering system  CISBOT manufactured by ULC Robotics.

Jobs that before would have needed large excavations and taken months to complete using traditional methods can be done in weeks using CISBOT which massively reduces the need for digging up roads.

CISBOT needs only one small excavation to access each 500m section of pipeline, enabling work to be done with minimal disruption to the public.

Controlled by a highly trained team of operators working in an above ground vehicle the ‘Gas-Bot’ enters the gas mains via a special insertion tube.

Once inside the main, which remains live during the process, CISBOT rehabilitates the gas main joints by injecting a special sealant into them.

James Harrison, Cadent Head of Operations for London, said: “Cadent and ULC Robotics are spearheading a robotic roadworks revolution with CISBOT.

“CISBOTs work in The Strand and Oxford Street last year was so successful that we’re now rolling the robots out across our London network, where they’ll help us to do work faster, smoother and more economically than ever before.

“In many instances the robo-revolution will be happening beneath Londoners feet without them even knowing it as the technology is very low impact.”

Cadent CISBOT at the Strand from Gemma Hatt on Vimeo.