IBAK draws a positive balance at IFAT 2024

“The number of visitors was slightly lower than at IFAT two years ago, which was also the first major trade fair after the Coronavirus break. This meant that we were able to hold technical consultations around the clock, which we were able to give the appropriate amount of time to,” says Janina Galinski, reflecting on her time in Munich.

At IFAT 2024, IBAK presented a range of mobile systems and vehicle configurations that aroused the interest of the national and international audience. Particularly noteworthy is the consistency of the solutions from inspection to rehabilitation as well as the straightforward focus on optimized handling, flexibility and versatility of the modular system components.

• For example, when used in small pipe dimensions: here, the MicroGator 150 electric robot or the MicoGator 150 Air air cutter can be used for efficient working. The CC Lift can also be used to electrically adjust the height of the inspection camera when inspecting small pipes.
• The high-resolution inspection concept has been expanded so that it is now possible to inspect everything from small to large profiles with full HD resolution. The NANO 2 pan and tilt camera (for DN 80 upwards), the POLARIS 3 push camera, the ASPECTA 3 electronic sewer mirror and the manned-entry adapter for hand-guided inspections in man-sized main sewers were also on show.
• The Remote Inspect workflow approach sets new standards in the industry: it allows systems to be networked with each other so that, for example, inspections in the field can be accessed from the office. This means that an expert who is not on site is able to take over control of the system. If necessary, this rapid intervention can help to ensure that work can continue quickly on site.

Another highlight was the presentation of the latest software solutions for data collection and analysis. With the advanced tools based on artificial intelligence (AI), inspection data can be collected, evaluated and processed more efficiently in future:

• ArtIST, the cloud-based extension to IBAK's sewer analysis software IKAS evolution, automates the detection of condition data.
• AutoPush, which can be used to automatically push the push rod into the pipe, was demonstrated on the MiniLite mobile push camera system. In combination with the AI-based operating concept aiControl, the ORION L camera navigated autonomously through the freely configurable pipe course. The assistance system allowed the camera to turn fully automatically into connecting pipes, detect joints and pan automatically. The tractor inspection system can also be used to inspect autonomously with the help of aiControl.
• IBAK also demonstrated that an AI-based ageing forecast can be created for a sewer network. The future course of development of the substance classes can be simulated both for the entire network and for individual sewers. The hotspot analysis provides a clear overview of those sewer sections that require the most urgent work. This facilitates forward-looking maintenance planning, which in turn contributes to the long-term and intergenerationally fair conservation of value of the sewer network.