Sludge removal has always been a costly, high-risk, and inefficient problem in the maintenance of rivers, lakes, reservoirs, industrial sedimentation tanks, and ports. Traditional manual or heavy machinery construction is not only costly but also often limited by environmental factors such as water depth, terrain, and weather.
The emergence of dredging robots makes sludge removal smarter, safer, and more economical.
This article will introduce the advantages and application scenarios of dredging robots, as well as a real-world case study from a Nigerian customer, helping you quickly understand why this type of equipment is becoming a global trend in the water conservancy and environmental protection fields.
Dredging Robot Parameters
| Parameter | YG500 | YG600 | YG700 | YG800 | YG900 | YG1200 |
| Robot Dimensions (mm) | 1500*500*650 | 1500*600*650 | 1600*700*650 | 1600*850*700 | 1650*960*750 | 1900*1200*750 |
| Dredging Width (mm) | 500 | 600 | 700 | 800 | 900 | Suitable for large culverts |
| Travel Speed (m/s) | 3–15 | 3–15 | 3–15 | 3–15 | 3–15 | 0–17 m/min |
| Pump Diameter (inch) | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4or6 |
| Pump Flow (m³/h) | 100 | 100 | 160 | 160 | 200 | 250 |
| Pump Head (m) | 0–30 | 0–30 | 0–25 | 0–25 | 0–25 | 0–30 (Horizontal: 100–150m) |
| Hydraulic Station Dimensions (mm) | 2200*1200*1700 | 2200*1200*1700 | 2200*1200*1700 | 2200*1200*1700 | 2200*1200*1700 | 2120*1240*1200 |
| Main Motor Power (kW) | 18 | 18 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 45KW (50KW) or Diesel 76KW (123KW) |
| Hydraulic System Pressure (Mpa) | 0–16 | 0–16 | 0–16 | 0–16 | 0–16 | Not specified |
| Particle Size (mm) | 15 | 15 | 40 | 40 | 50 | 0–40 (customizable) |
| Winch Speed (r/min) | 0–10 | 0–10 | 0–10 | 0–10 | 0–10 | 0–10 |
| Pipe Length (m) | 30–50 Optional | 30–50 Optional | 30–50 Optional | 30–50 Optional | 30–50 Optional | 30m/pack, 20kg pressure resistant, optional |
| Control System | Wireless Remote | Wireless Remote | Wireless Remote | Wireless Remote | Wireless Remote | Wireless Remote |
| Lighting System | Underwater LED*2 | Underwater LED*2 | Underwater LED*2 | Underwater LED*2 | Underwater LED*2 | Underwater LED*2 |
What Is a Dredging Robot?
A dredging robot is an intelligent device used for underwater sludge removal and solid-liquid separation operations. It typically consists of a remote control or automatic navigation system, an underwater tracked vehicle, a pump suction system, and solid-liquid delivery pipelines, enabling it to perform automated sludge removal operations in confined or hazardous environments.
Compared to traditional dredging methods, sludge cleaning robots are more flexible, energy-efficient, have a wider range of applications, and are safer and more reliable.
Unique Advantages of a Dredging Robot
- Safer Operation – No Workers Enter Dangerous Zones
Utilizing intelligent remote control or autonomous navigation technology, dredging robots can be operated remotely, eliminating the need for personnel to enter sludge accumulation areas, deep water areas, or highly polluted water bodies, significantly reducing construction risks. The advantages of sludge cleaning robots are even more pronounced in environments such as wastewater treatment plants and oil sludge pools.
- High Efficiency with Consistent Output
The equipment employs a powerful pump suction system, ensuring stable working efficiency unaffected by day or night.
Compared to the combination of excavators and sludge pumps, portable robotic dredges achieve more uniform and continuous dredging capabilities, saving 30%–50% of the construction time.
- Excellent Mobility in Narrow or Shallow Water
Ordinary dredging vessels require deeper water to operate, while the dredging robot features a lightweight underwater hull design, allowing it to move freely in shallow water of 0.6–1.5 meters without being forced to stop due to insufficient water depth.
- Lower Cost and Less Infrastructure Requirements
Eliminating the need for auxiliary equipment such as hulls, cranes, and steel platforms, the overall equipment is lighter and has lower transportation costs.
For businesses, small contractors, and government water departments, the unmanned dredging solution is a more cost-effective option.
- Environmentally Friendly
The robot operates in a fixed location, minimizing disturbance to large-scale underwater ecosystems. This environmentally friendly construction method is ideal for sensitive areas such as urban lakes, park water features, and drinking water reservoirs.
Where Can Dredging Robots Be Used?
Dredging robots and sludge cleaning robots are widely used in:
1.Municipal and Environmental Protection Fields
- Urban River Management;
- Lake Dredging and Ecological Restoration;
- Sediment Removal from the Bottom of Reservoirs and Sewage Tanks.
2. Industrial Sludge Treatment
- Power Plant Sedimentation Tanks;
- Steel Plant and Mine Tailings Ponds;
- Petrochemical Wastewater Treatment Ponds.
3.Water Conservancy and Agricultural Engineering
- Irrigation Canal Maintenance;
- Small Reservoir Desilting;
- Flood Control and Drainage Renovation Projects.
4.Port and Coastal Maintenance
- Small Port Silt Removal;
- Waterfront Restoration;
- Essential River Estuary Dredging.
Through remote control and mechanization, a single portable robotic dredge can accomplish tasks that previously required dozens of workers and multiple pieces of equipment.
Nigeria Case Study: Dredging Robot Solves a Sludge Challenge
In 2024, an environmental engineering contracting client from Lagos, Nigeria, approached us. His main concerns were:
- The industrial wastewater pond had severe sludge buildup, exceeding 1.2 meters in depth.
- Manual entry into the pond was extremely dangerous.
- Traditional excavators could not access narrow areas.
- He needed equipment capable of quickly clearing the sludge while keeping costs under control.
After understanding the site conditions, we recommended an unmanned dredging solution, the core of which was a dredging robot combined with a sludge pump delivery system.
✔ On-site Results
- The robot can enter a sedimentation tank only 2.2m wide, allowing for flexible operation.
- 1,800 m³ of sludge was dredged within one week (efficiency increased by approximately 40%).
- Workers do not need to enter the tank, significantly improving safety.
- The customer is very satisfied with the equipment’s stability, remote control distance, and sludge delivery efficiency.
Customer feedback: “This dredging robot is exactly what we needed — safe, efficient, and cost-saving. It helped us finish the project faster than expected.”
Why Choose YG’s Dredging Robot?
- Years of experience in engineering robot manufacturing;
- International quality standards (CE/ISO);
- OEM/ODM customization supported;
- Complete sludge cleaning solutions: robot + sludge pump + piping + separation equipment;
- Exported to over 20 countries, professional and stable after-sales service.
Whether for government departments, municipal projects, industrial treatment plants, or contractors, YG’s dredging robot provides you with a high-efficiency, low-cost, and sustainable sludge cleaning robot solution.
Get Your Unmanned Dredging Solution Today
If you are looking for:
- a safer dredging method;
- a more efficient and lower-cost alternative;
- a portable robotic dredge that can adapt to narrow, shallow, and hazardous environments.
contact us for a customized quote and technical solution.【WhatsApp/WeChat/Phone】+86 13837115193.