Scientists from four British universities will use the funding to develop 10mm long robotic devices that use sensors and navigation systems to find and repair cracks in pipes.

It is thought that their introduction could significantly cut disruption on the road network caused by approximately 1.5 million surface excavations that take place every year.

“The development of mini robots to assist with both the inspection and repair of pipelines presents exciting possibilities,” said independent consultant and road maintenance specialist Roger Elphick FCIHT.

These, he highlighted, include increased safety, reduced disruption due to temporary traffic management and reducing the short and long term damage caused to road pavements by road openings.

“Robotic inspection of gas pipelines has been undertaken for some time and further development of this technology by utility companies would have commercial as well as practical benefits,” he added.

“The accurate location of faults would lead to an improvement in asset management for utility companies and the more efficient scheduling of maintenance work. In addition, it could also lead to the reduction of leakage problems which are a particular issue for water companies.”

Roger Elphick added: “Improving robotic inspections would seem to be achievable in the short term but enabling them to undertake maintenance work may take rather longer.”

Street Works UK chief executive Clive Bairsto said: “We welcome the forward looking approach to exploring how technology can minimise disruption for road users. New technology and innovation has the potential to help utility companies and their contractors to reduce disruption while still delivering high quality works.”

Development of the new micro robots will be led by Sheffield University alongside the universities of Leeds, Birmingham and Bristol.

The project represents one of 14 initiatives which are being backed by a £26.6M package of Government investment to research the use of robots for carrying out repairs in hazardous work environments.

Science Minister Chris Skidmore said: “While for now we can only dream of a world without roadworks disrupting our lives, these pipe repairing robots herald the start of technology that could make that dream a reality in the future.”

Freight Transport Association’s head of policy for the north of England Malcolm Bingham said: “We are delighted the Government has realised the extent of the disruption caused to road users by unexpected roadworks and taken an innovative approach to combat this serious issue.

“Unexpected roadworks are one of the biggest challenges to the logistics industry; they prevent hauliers from operating at maximum efficiency and ultimately hinder the growth of the UK economy.”

(Photograph: Alastair Lloyd)