IKT – Institute for Underground Infrastructure

IKT International Conference 2026: How AI, Drones, Sensors and Robotics are Transforming Sewer Operations – and What Network Operators Should Prepare For

Almost 100 experts from 14 countries and live demonstrations in our test sewer made it clear that AI in sewer operations, drones, sensors and robots are already changing processes and priorities today. For sewer network operators, this means: strategically classifying technologies, understanding their potential, systematically collecting data and realigning operational processes at an early stage.

On 11 and 12 February 2026, experts met at IKT for our second international conference “AI, Drones, Sensors and Robots for Smart Sewers and Urban Drainage”. The focus was on cutting-edge technologies and the latest research findings for sewer operation.

Drones in sewers: precise 3D models and greater occupational safety

Speakers from the United Kingdom, Japan, Germany and the Netherlands presented concrete use cases. Drones with LiDAR technology create high-precision 3D point clouds of sewer routes, enabling the detection of significant cross-sectional reductions or difficult geometries.

What this means for network operators and sewer inspectors:

• Greater occupational safety due to fewer entries into dangerous environments
• Faster and standardised data collection
• Accurate 3D pipe measurement using LiDAR
• Precise detection of cross-sectional narrowings and route deviations
• Reliable geometries for custom-fit liner fabrication

Case studies from Glasgow and Belfast showed how brickwork sewers and culverts were recorded with millimetre precision – a clear added value for the precise manufacture of CIPP liners.

Drones can also swim

Drones can not only fly, but also swim. Above-water and underwater drones were also presented. They are used in partially or fully filled pipes. The systems are continuing to develop – especially with regard to greater autonomy.

 

Live demonstrations

A special highlight was the live demonstration of flying and diving drones in IKT’s laboratory and underground testing pipe. This made the technologies immediately tangible.

Sensors: the “Sewer Ball” and the Micro-MAC system

The „Sewer Ball“ from France can be used in gravity pipes to measure temperature, pH value, conductivity and redox potential. Infiltration can be localised and estimated volumetrically – providing a reliable basis for prioritising rehabilitation.

With the MAC system, IKT has developed a non-destructive method for determining pipe-soil stiffness – suitable for large profiles and, most recently, also for medium diameters of DN 300–800. This allows the condition of pipes to be assessed for rehabilitation planning and the structural performance of liners to be checked.

Robotics: Autonomous inspection and repair

EU research projects such as PIPEON are developing autonomous inspection and repair robots for sewers. These robots will be able to navigate rough sewer environments independently, detect damage, remove obstacles and install sensors in inaccessible areas.

The Institute for Database-Oriented Design (IDoK) at Jade University is conducting research into robotic dogs. These are intended to perform transport and assistance tasks for sewer workers in confined and hazardous environments.

AI in sewer operation – artificial & human intelligence

Speakers from Australia, Belgium, Great Britain and Germany presented concrete use cases:

• AI-supported video analysis
• Infiltration detection
• Flood and overspill forecasts
• Ventilation control
• AI-based investment and rehabilitation planning

This shifts the focus in sewer operation away from purely reactive assessment towards data-based, strategic prioritisation.

However, experience has shown that without having a “human-in-the-loop”, accuracy declines. AI remains an assistance system – responsibility for its outputs remains with humans.

What matters now: collecting data, seizing opportunities

In the concluding panel discussion, it became clear that the biggest challenge is not AI itself, but data. Validated damage coding, clean time series and structured inventory data – without this basis, any AI remains a shot in the dark.

The future of sewer operation will be data-driven. Network operators must prepare for this now, according to Prof. Bosseler:
„Be prepared. Collect data.“

Because it is not AI technology that is the focus, but the quality of the data. Those who collect and validate data today are laying the foundation for good decisions tomorrow.

Conclusion for sewer network operators

The conference showed that drones make complex inspections possible and increase work safety; sensor technology creates reliable data; robotics automates tasks; and AI speeds up evaluation and prioritisation. However, humans remain responsible.

And those who collect and validate data in a structured manner today are laying the foundation for the data-driven sewer operation of tomorrow.

🎧 Listen now: The conference podcast
Further insights and an assessment of the most important findings are provided by Prof. Dr.-Ing. Bert Bosseler, Scientific Director of IKT, in the latest podcast (in German):
Bosseler’s notes from 11/12 February 2026 on the international IKT conference

👉 All podcasts by Prof. Bosseler can be found here: KanalSpezial – the KomNetAbwasser podcast

 

Save the Date

The next IKT conference on AI, drones, sensors and robots will take place on 3 and 4 February 2027 at IKT in Gelsenkirchen, Germany.

 

Click here for the Conference Photo Album

 

 

 

Contact person

Ashwini Ausekar, M.Sc.
Head IKT Academy & Int. Relations
phone: +49 209 17806-0
email: ausekar@ikt.institute