Central Coast Council deploys remote vehicle for record sewer scan
Central Coast Council has completed a remote sewer inspection using a new remote-controlled vehicle developed in collaboration with KBR and Emesent.
The remote-operated vehicle (ROV) is equipped with an Emesent Hovermap ST-X Mobile Laser Scanner (LiDAR) and a high-definition 360-degree CCTV camera. On its initial deployment, the vehicle scanned more than 640 metres of sewer pipe between Terrigal and North Avoca, setting a benchmark as the longest stretch completed by such a device to date.
Safety and efficiency
The sewer inspection was conducted as part of Central Coast Council's routine infrastructure assessment, aimed at enhancing both safety and efficiency during maintenance. Traditionally, these inspections require manual entry into confined and hazardous environments. The use of the remote vehicle removes the need for personnel to enter these spaces.
Jamie Loader, Director of Water and Sewer at Central Coast Council, highlighted the motivation behind the project. "We engaged KBR to perform a number of sewer and tunnel condition assessments in the region. However, given the size, age and unknown condition of the Terrigal tunnel we wanted to see if there was a way to inspect it without sending anyone down as a safety precaution.
We're proud to be the first local government in Australia to deploy this kind of innovative technology for sewer inspections. The results have shown us that there is a safer, more efficient and cost-effective way for us to maintain our infrastructure for the benefit of the community.
The technology provides a means for local authorities to monitor infrastructure with reduced risk to workers and a lower need for costly manual inspections.
Digital twin technology
For this project, the remote vehicle was combined with a high-definition 3D scanning system, enabling the creation of a digital replica, or digital twin, of the sewer pipe.
According to Hayden Robinson, National Digital Engineering Technology Manager at KBR, this approach represents a significant advance in sewer maintenance. "The successful remote data capture of a pipe this diameter and over this distance marks a pivotal moment in the digitisation of sewer maintenance, as it eliminates the need for unnecessary manual inspections in confined and potentially dangerous spaces."
"Compared to traditional CCTV footage, the combined 3D Point Cloud and high-definition 360 degree CCTV provides us with a digital replica - or digital twin - of the asset, providing more comprehensive and accurate data than has been previously obtainable. In addition, georeferencing and coordinating the data means we can precisely locate any areas along the length of the pipe that need to be repaired."
The Emesent Hovermap ST-X scanner produces a detailed Point Cloud and imaging data, supporting virtual assessments of the pipe's condition. Cracks, blockages, and structural deterioration can be identified with increased accuracy. The data collected is stored and visualised using Cintoo's cloud-based platform, which generates high-fidelity 3D meshes to create a digital replica viewable from the office. This process enables comparisons to be made over time, allowing for the identification of changes or new maintenance needs.
Collaboration and capability
Emesent's technology was explicitly designed to enable data capture in complex, hard-to-reach environments. Stefan Hrabar, Chief Strategy Officer and Co-Founder of Emesent, commented on the project's aims and outcomes. "Emesent scanners were designed for exactly this reason – to provide data capture for challenging and inaccessible environments. By attaching our Hovermap scanner to the remotely controlled vehicle, we can provide engineers with the data they need to build a 3D digital replica for future maintenance work."
"Working with KBR on this project has been a fantastic experience. The team has a deep understanding of complex infrastructure challenges and a clear vision for how to utilise innovative technologies to deliver better outcomes."
This inspection method also demonstrates how digital workflows are now being integrated with maintenance planning. The ability to revisit a precise digital model enables engineers to track the progression of wear or defects over time, thereby improving asset management and informing more effective repair strategies.
Wider implications
Central Coast Council is among the first local authorities in Australia to use such a system for underground inspections. The Council manages a large regional water and sewer network, and the new approach is intended to support ongoing efforts to improve both reliability and safety.
The vehicle's first deployment covered the Terrigal to North Avoca tunnel segment, a critical section of regional infrastructure, and has provided valuable data that will underpin future maintenance activities. The success of the project has drawn attention to the potential for similar remote inspection techniques to be adopted by other councils and utilities with ageing or difficult-to-access infrastructure.
