ANCHORAGE, AK Alaska is saving tens of millions of dollars and years of time with a new innovative robot named RODIS (Remotely Operated Diagnostic Inspection System) and Coffman Engineers as an important part of the team.

The Alaska pipeline is well aged and was not created with the needs of regular inspections and maintenance in mind. The new RODIS robot inspects small secondary lines and pump stations of the Alaska pipeline that were once impossible to examine without the high risk of damage or accidents. RODIS easily maneuvers vertically and horizontally through pipes that would otherwise need to be removed from underground. It uses lasers and electromagnetic sensors to detect wall thickness and metal loss and has cameras and LED lights attached to provide visual images.

Logan Tucker and Trevor Buron assisted the project engineer, helping to assemble the design package and assist with the implementation of planning efforts.