Autonomous Multisensor Drones for Collector and Water Infrastructure Inspection

EMATSA (Municipal Mixed Water Company of Tarragona) is a mixed company formed by the Tarragona City Council (51%) and SOREA of the AGBAR Group (49%), which since 1983 has managed the integral water cycle in Tarragona and La Canonja.

As a leading company in the management of basic environmental services in the Tarragona region, EMATSA offers specialized maintenance and cleaning services for the sewer network, ensuring the proper functioning of urban sanitation infrastructure. This service is essential for:

• Ensuring the proper functioning of the sanitation system

• Preventing floods and public health issues

• Maintaining environmental quality in urban areas

• Guaranteeing service sustainability

Currently, EMATSA serves approximately 145,000 inhabitants, managing:

• The integral water cycle in Tarragona and La Canonja

• Drinking water supply to Els Pallaresos and El Catllar

• Wastewater treatment for multiple municipalities in the area, including Constantí, Renau, El Catllar, Ardenya, Vespella de Gaià, La Nou de Gaià, La Riera de Gaià, Els Pallaresos, La Secuita, El Morell, and part of Altafulla

The company maintains its commitment to excellence in urban and anthropic water cycle management, also offering complementary services in project engineering, hydraulic works execution, public road management, and laboratory services.

We are really interested in finding an autonomous drone system for inspecting and monitoring wastewater collectors and underground galleries that integrates multi-sensor technologies, AI-powered analysis, and robust data management capabilities while ensuring safe and efficient operations in challenging subterranean environments.

Key Requirements:

1. Advanced Sensing and Data Collection:

• Integration of multiple sensor technologies

• High-quality image and video capture capabilities

• Operation in zero-light and high-humidity conditions

• Robust data collection and offline access functionality

2. Autonomous Navigation and Safety:

• GPS-denied environment navigation

• Real-time obstacle detection and avoidance

• Safe operation in confined spaces

• Emergency recovery procedures

• Resistance to corrosive environments

3. AI and Analytics:

• On-board AI processing capabilities

• Real-time structural defect detection

• Anomaly and hazard identification

• Automated inspection reporting

4. Data Integration and Management:

• Precise geolocation of identified issues

• GIS-compatible data export

• Integration with existing asset management systems

• Standardized reporting formats

5. Operational Efficiency:

• Extended battery life solutions

• Reduced human risk exposure

• Cost-effective operation

• Compliance with confined space regulations

The solution should demonstrate significant improvements in inspection efficiency, worker safety, and infrastructure maintenance while providing accurate, actionable data for decision-making.