Robots and UAVs assist in monitoring and protecting water resources

Within the solemn and historically significant setting of the exhibition “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness,” among hundreds of booths, Thuyloi University’s display stood out as a technology highlight. Its prominence was not due to size or layout, but rather the presence of two breakthrough research products: a UAV for water sampling and a dam-inspection robot. These technologically advanced solutions offer high practical applicability, directly addressing critical challenges in water resource management and the safety of hydraulic structures.

“God’s eye” monitors water quality

Previously, to collect and test water samples from reservoirs, technical staff had to go directly to the field, row boats into the middle of the water body, and manually conduct measurements and sampling. This process was time-consuming, labor-intensive, and carried significant safety risks. The water-sampling UAV has completely transformed this approach.

The UAV is programmed to fly automatically along a predefined trajectory, carrying sensors and a water-sampling mechanism. It can access hard-to-reach areas, perform measurements, take photos, and transmit data to a central server in real time. IoT technology and LoRa communication networks enable the UAV to maintain stable connectivity within a 3 km range, while ensuring that all data is systematically stored and analyzed.

The key breakthrough lies in its fully automated sampling capability, replacing manual operations that previously depended on human labor. The UAV can lower and raise sensor floats for non-invasive measurements, minimizing errors, while also capturing panoramic images to support large-scale monitoring.

Tested at Cao Van Reservoir (Cam Pha, Quang Ninh), the UAV demonstrated outstanding efficiency: survey time was reduced to just one-third of that required by traditional methods, accuracy was high, and most importantly, it significantly reduced risks for technical staff.

Experts note that the UAV’s applications extend beyond monitoring drinking water quality - it can also be used in environmental management, assessing water quality for aquaculture, and monitoring areas with high pollution risk.

Dam-inspection robot – A solution for water security

If the UAV can be seen as the “God’s eye” for monitoring water resources, the dam-inspection robot serves as the silent “gatekeeper,” safeguarding the safety of hydraulic structures.

Motivated by the fact that many dams and reservoirs have been in operation for decades, while internal inspections of spillways and dam bodies remain extremely challenging, the research team at Thuyloi University developed the dam-inspection robot.

The robot is capable of navigating narrow tunnels inside the dam body, reaching areas that are inaccessible to humans. Equipped with cameras and sensors, it captures images and detects cracks, seepage, voids, or potential structural damage. The collected data is then transmitted to a central analysis hub, enabling engineers to implement timely corrective measures.

Notably, the robot can operate in wet and low-light environments, connecting either wirelessly via LoRa or through wired connections, offering flexibility in various situations. Tests conducted at the Soc Son and Cua Dat facilities demonstrated the robot’s effectiveness in early fault detection, significantly reducing the risk of dam failure - a scenario that could have catastrophic downstream consequences.

The introduction of the robot not only enhances monitoring efficiency but also paves the way for new approaches in automating the management of hydraulic structure safety - a field traditionally regarded as the “backbone” of national water security.

Vietnamese ingenuity and the drive for technological breakthroughs

The appeal of Thuyloi University’s booth lies not only in its technology but also in the stories behind each product - a story of intelligence, research passion, and the drive for technological breakthroughs by faculty and students.

Ms. Dang Huong Giang, Head of the Department of Politics and Student Affairs at Thuyloi University, shared: “These two products represent the dedication and efforts of our faculty and students throughout their research and innovation journey. The University aims not only for scientific achievements but also for practical applications that contribute meaningfully to the country’s sustainable development.”

According to Ms. Giang, starting from research projects at the Ministry and State levels, the first prototypes were completed, tested, and proven feasible. This journey reflects persistent efforts to overcome challenges related to resources, technology, and even their own limitations.

The presence of these two products at the exhibition “80 Years of Independence – Freedom – Happiness” not only highlights Thuyloi University’s pioneering role in science and technology but also demonstrates that Vietnamese ingenuity is fully capable of mastering and making breakthroughs in high-tech fields. It sends a powerful message about innovation, creativity, and a spirit of dedication toward a sustainable future - where technology serves not only production but also the protection of the environment and human well-being.

Thuyloi University’s booth is not just a display of achievements but also an inspiring story. It tells of passionate teachers and young talents who overcome all challenges to turn ideas into reality, ensuring that scientific inventions move beyond the laboratory to enter everyday life, delivering practical and lasting value.