SIASUN(SZ:300024) Chang Jiang Ri Bao·2025-08-13 00:46Core Insights - The "Bionic Water Snake Subsea Pipeline Inspection Robot" developed by the Wuhan University of Technology team won the national first prize at the 14th National Marine Vehicle Design and Manufacturing Competition, standing out among 3,345 teams from nearly 400 institutions [1][4]. Group 1: Innovation and Design - The robot features a three-segment design with a 3mm thick silicone "skin" and flexible joints, allowing it to mimic the movement of a real water snake, enabling it to navigate through narrow pipelines [4]. - The bionic design addresses the limitations of traditional inspection equipment, providing a new solution for subsea pipeline operations and maintenance [4]. Group 2: Technical Capabilities - Equipped with 32 ultrasonic probes at its head, the robot can detect defects along the pipeline walls, transmitting real-time data to the surface, similar to how a doctor performs an ultrasound [4]. - The robot is applicable for various environments, including subsea oil and gas pipelines, wind power equipment, river dams, sunken ship pipelines, and urban underground corridors [4]. Group 3: Team Background and Future Plans - The team consists of undergraduate students born in the 2000s, who were inspired by the school's innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives [4]. - The team leader expressed intentions to enhance the robot's pressure resistance and intelligence for more effective operations in deep-sea environments [4].