Intelligent PIG: Art x Engineering

Art inspired by engineering

Intelligent PIG (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

The winner of the 1989 MacRobert Award: the Intelligent PIG

The ‘intelligent pig’ (pipeline inspection gauge) travels along remote gas and oil pipelines to inspect for defects.

The practice of using pipeline inspection gauges is known as ‘pigging’. Devices can clean and inspect pipelines without turning off the pipes and stopping the flow. 

Pigging systems are used across industries, including cosmetics, paints, oils, and foodstuffs. 

In oil and gas, ‘intelligent pigs’ are used to prevent leaks and explosions. ‘Intelligent pigs’ can also be used to separate different products in a multiproduct pipeline.

The artist reimagined the device as almost animal in form, with magnifying glasses closely observing everything as it works its way down the pipe.

no sound Intelligent PIGMuseum of Engineering Innovation

Behind the scenes of the Intelligent PIG model

Intelligent PIG (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

British Gas: Winners of the MacRobert Award

Artist Ted Humble-Smith was inspired by the Intelligent PIG to mark the 50th Anniversary of the MacRobert Award

50 years of the MacRobert AwardMuseum of Engineering Innovation

MacRobert Award for Engineering Innovation: Fran Scott interviews Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

Photographer Ted Humble-Smith (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

The artist inspired by engineering

Ted Humble-Smith is a photographer and director who brings a sense of magic to the meticulous conceptual images he creates for the luxury fashion, beauty, jewellery, and business worlds.       

Photographer Ted Humble-Smith (2019-05-29) by Ted Humble-SmithMuseum of Engineering Innovation

Ted Humble-Smith uses his imagination and technical expertise to produce vibrant images that push the boundaries of commercial photography. He talked to engineers involved in MacRobert Award-winning projects to picture the concepts behind the innovations. His images capture the thought process behind the breakthroughs, rather than illustrating the innovations’ technical workings.      

PIGMuseum of Engineering Innovation

From the sketchbook

The creative process of the PIG artwork

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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