Method and apparatus for robotic, in-pipe water quality testing

A method for obtaining water quality data for a fluid containing water within a pipe, comprising:

• positioning a pipe inspection robot within a pipe;
• collecting, using a water quality probe of the pipe inspection robot, water quality data;
• the collecting comprising operating an electric motor to reposition a sensing end of the water quality probe with respect to the robot;
• said electric motor acting to move the sensing end of the water quality probe to reposition the sensing end proximate to fluid containing water located proximate to a bottom part of the pipe inspection robot;
• the sensing end contacting the fluid containing water for contact sensing of water quality data;
• and
• communicating, over a network connection, the water quality data to a remote device.

A pipe inspection robot, comprising:

• a chassis;
• a water quality probe coupled to the chassis;
• an electric motor that imparts movement to the water quality probe to reposition the water quality probe to a position that is closer to a bottom part of the chassis;
• wherein, in the position, a sensing end of the water quality probe is able to contact fluid comprising water located in a bottom of the pipe proximate to a bottom of the chassis;
• and
• a processor operatively coupled to the water quality probe;
• said processor configured to:
• operate the water quality probe to collect water quality data related to the fluid comprising water contained within the pipe;
• and
• communicate the water quality data collected over a network connection.