An autonomous inspector mobile platform robot that is used to inspect a
pipe or network of pipes. The robot includes a locomotion device that
enables the device to autonomously progress through the pipe and
accurately track its pose and odometry during movement. At the same time,
image data is autonomously captured to detail the interior portions of
the pipe. Images are taken at periodic intervals using a wide angle lens,
and additional video images may be captured at locations of interest.
Either onboard or offboard the device, each captured image is unwarped
(if necessary) and combined with images of adjacent pipe sections to
create a complete image of the interior features of the inspected pipe.
Optional features include additional sensors and measurement devices,
various communications systems to communicate with an end node or the
surface, and/or image compression software.