Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions below.
What is the minimum required entry diameter for insertion?
 Is chlorination required before inserting the AUR?
What disinfection methods are used?
Will the water system be depressurized during insertion?
What happens if the AUR becomes stuck?
Who is responsible for robot retrieval?
Does Motmot operate the valves and hydrants?
What field staff presence is required?
How long does insertion and retrieval typically take?
What pressure range is acceptable for the AUR?
What kind of inspection data does Motmot provide?
 Is the AUR tracked while in the pipeline?
What insurance coverage does Motmot maintain?
Who is liable if the AUR is damaged or lost?
How will incidents be handled during field deployment?
What safety procedures must be followed on site?
 How is pilot success evaluated?

How will incidents be handled during field deployment?

If an operational incident occurs (e.g., stuck robot, field malfunction), Motmot and the Municipality will immediately halt operations, jointly assess conditions, and agree on next steps based on the Emergency Response Plan included in the Pilot Packet.

 How is pilot success evaluated?

Pilot success is based on successful insertion and retrieval of the AUR, safe maintenance of system water quality and pressures, and the generation of usable inspection data to configure a full condition assessment. Post-pilot reports will document all findings, lessons learned, and provide any raw data upon request.

What kind of inspection data does Motmot provide?

After deployment, Motmot will deliver a summary report including internal pipe condition findings, observations of structural defects, and operational notes. Data is processed post-deployment, not live-streamed in real-time.

What safety procedures must be followed on site?

Municipality field crews must follow confined space entry requirements if applicable, standard valve handling safety, traffic control protocols, and OSHA excavation standards. Motmot staff will assist with site safety reviews and operational supervision.

Who is liable if the AUR is damaged or lost?

If Municipal crews follow approved procedures and reasonable recovery attempts fail, Motmot bears the risk of equipment loss. If negligence, deviation from procedures, or unauthorized field actions cause damage or loss, the Municipality may be responsible for equipment replacement costs.

What field staff presence is required?

The Municipality must provide trained field crews familiar with valve operations, live system work, and standard potable water handling. Motmot will supply two or more field technical advisors during pilot operations.
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Pilot Program

Motmot is opening enrollment for a capped number of municipal partners to participate in our 2026 pilot program. These pilots are designed to leverage our Autonomous Underwater Robot (AUR) in active drinking water systems and to help cities collect empirical detailed, defensible condition data increasingly emphasized in infrastructure planning and funding decisions.

The process is straightforward: your team handles insertion and retrieval using standard tap points or fire hydrant, while Motmot provides the AUR unit, support materials, and full post-inspection analysis. We’ll coordinate closely with your staff to align around scheduling, entry locations, and reporting needs. Pilots typically include 1–2 deployments with clear expectations on data delivery, safety, and responsibilities — all outlined in a standard participation agreement. If you're looking to strengthen asset management planning or build a case for future capital funding, this is a great opportunity to get started with next-generation inspection at no long-term commitment.
Apply Here