From a 5-ton to a 3.5-ton Sprinter

The shortage of skilled workers poses major challenges for the trenchless sewer rehabilitation industry. In particular, recruiting young talent is becoming increasingly difficult. It is therefore also important to improve opportunities for companies to train younger professionals and career changers from other industries internally and make it attractive for them to enter the complex world of trenchless rehabilitation. This includes making vehicles and equipment as intuitive and easy to operate as possible. This is one of the reasons why Pipetronics GmbH & Co. KG has adapted the eMulti robot system to the changing needs of the younger generation.

New requirement: Even simpler, even more flexible!

The trenchless sewer rehabilitation industry is currently responding to the shortage of skilled workers by offering more training opportunities for career changers and by attending training fairs and vocational schools. Pipetronics considers it part of its mission to support the industry with innovative solutions that increase its attractiveness and simplify work processes for young professionals.

In an industry that is traditionally considered demanding and technically complex, but also exciting, modern, intuitive, and flexible solutions from the digital world are particularly in demand. This is where Pipetronics' multifunctional eMulti robot system comes in. The latest version is no longer only available in a 5-tonne system vehicle with trailer, but also in two compact 3.5-tonne sprinters. The expansion of two smaller, independently transportable vehicles makes it possible to drive the system with a class B driver's license, which makes it easier for many younger employees to enter the industry, as many do not have a truck driver's license. At the same time, it saves companies the cost of expensive driver training and allows for more flexible scheduling of the refurbishment vehicles.

Improved comfort and ergonomics for a more pleasant atmosphere in the mobile workplace

The working environment in the eMulti robot systems has also been optimized. In addition to an ergonomically height-adjustable table and a comfortable gaming swivel chair, the system offers amenities such as air conditioning, auxiliary heating, a coffee machine, and a refrigerator. These features ensure that the operator of the robot system feels just as comfortable in the mobile unit as in the office or at home.

Automation and digitalization: The future of sewer rehabilitation

The automation and digitalization of work processes is also an important aspect in making the everyday work of employees in the sewer rehabilitation industry more attractive and, above all, easier. Markus Lämmerhirt, Technical Director at Pipetronics, gives an example: "Our company is considered a pioneer in the automation and digitalization of robot systems. We have equipped all robots with sensors that provide the operator with real-time information about the robot's operation. These include pressure sensors that monitor the internal pressure and position sensors that indicate the position of the milling head in the sewer. In the event of a malfunction or error, the systems can be easily maintained and analyzed remotely, minimizing the need to enter the sewer directly."

Focus on Generations Y to Z: familiar context, simple control plus intuitive operation with a fun factor

A new innovation of the eMulti robot system is the ability to control the systems not only via conventional control panels, but also via standard PlayStation and Xbox controllers. These control systems are familiar to young professionals, which shortens the training time and simplifies operation.

Automatic detection and repair of damaged areas: a glimpse into the future

“Pipetronics' long-term goal is to further advance automation in sewer rehabilitation,” emphasizes Markus Lämmerhirt. According to the expert, the next generation of robots should be able to independently locate and mill out previously defined damaged areas even after a liner has been inserted. This requires automatic detection of the size and location of the inlet so that the robot can carry out the work. Pipetronics is striving to achieve this vision of automatic rehabilitation through continuous development and the use of state-of-the-art technologies.

“The expansion of our eMulti robot system to two 3.5-tonne system vehicles and the intensive use of automation and digitalisation, coupled with a multitude of details that make working on the robot system more pleasant and easier, are examples of how we are consciously responding to the needs of the younger generation and thus actively supporting our partners in the sewer rehabilitation industry,” explains Managing Director Markus Lämmerhirt.