YouTuber Stargate System turned a frustrating sewer pipe issue into an opportunity for innovation by creating a custom inspection robot. Persistent blockages at his parents’ 50-year-old home baffled professionals, whose efforts only offered temporary relief. The problem stemmed from a 120-degree bend introduced when the sewer pipe was rerouted decades ago, creating a blind spot for traditional inspection tools. Adding to the complexity, a drainpipe dumped debris directly into this bend, making effective diagnosis nearly impossible. With commercial solutions falling short, Stargate System decided to design a robot tailored to the unique challenge.
The custom-built robot combined affordability and ingenuity, costing just $150 compared to the $30,000 price tag of commercial systems. Its 3D-printed body housed powerful motors for navigating pipes, a Raspberry Pi Zero for processing, and a camera paired with bright LEDs for visual feedback. Communication and power delivery were ingeniously handled using a 65-foot Ethernet cable and a DIY PoE setup to supply 5V and 12V to the electronics and motors. The robot’s durable design, featuring tank treads and sealed components for waterproofing, ensured it could traverse the narrow 120mm pipe and tackle obstacles with ease.
Equipped with custom software for manual control and live video streaming, the robot identified sediment buildup at the problematic bend. Stargate System then deployed a tool with a spinning chain to break up the hardened debris, guided by the robot’s precise positioning. The successful cleaning operation eliminated blockages, and the pipe remains trouble-free. To know more about this DIY inspection robot check out STargate System’s YouTube video.
