PIPEON Project Showcases Autonomous Robotics at UDM 2025 in Austria

The PIPEON Project marked its presence at the 13th Urban Drainage Modelling Conference (UDM 2025), held from 15–19 September 2025 at Universität Innsbruck, Austria. The conference brought together researchers, practitioners, and policy experts to explore the latest challenges and innovations in urban drainage systems.

A highlight of the week was the PIPEON workshop on autonomous robotic inspection and monitoring, which asked the thought-provoking question “What can autonomous robots do for us in urban drainage modelling-and what can we do for them?”

The workshop, led by Marius Møller Rokstad, Vincent Pons, Spyros Pritsis, and Astrid Cifuentes, sparked lively discussions on how autonomous robots can enhance data collection, improve model accuracy, and increase safety in urban drainage monitoring. At the same time, participants considered the infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and community engagement needed to maximize the benefits of robotic technologies.

In addition to PIPEON’s workshop, NTNU researchers also presented on climate change adaptation, multi-storm system design, water quality monitoring without metadata, performance of blue-green infrastructure under future climate conditions, and other cutting-edge topics.

The conference was a unique opportunity to connect with the urban drainage community, exchange ideas, and explore emerging technologies that will shape the future of sustainable and resilient urban water management.

A special moment at UDM 2025 was the farewell lecture of Wolfgang Rauch, a pioneer in urban drainage research and mentor to many, who inspired participants with both scientific insights and lessons in Tango.

The PIPEON Project thanks all participants, collaborators, and the UDM organizing team, and looks forward to continuing these discussions at SPN11 in Trondheim next year.