At InfoSense, we’re changing the way municipalities manage their wastewater infrastructure—starting with where and when to clean sewer lines. Our flagship solution, the SL-RAT, uses acoustic inspection to identify blockages in small-diameter sewer lines in minutes, without needing cameras, confined space entry, or heavy equipment.
Why switch to acoustic inspection technology? Because it’s a safer and easier way to know which pipes need cleaning before deploying cleaning crews or scheduling CCTV. There’s no disruption to your current workflow—just a simple screening step that helps you avoid unnecessary work, reduce safety risks, and make better use of staff and budget.
In 2005, Dr. Ivan Howitt, a tenured professor at UNC Charlotte, began a joint research project with Charlotte Water to explore whether acoustic signals could detect blockages and anomalies between manholes.
With funding from the National Science Foundation, InfoSense was founded, and the first SL-RAT® prototype was delivered to Charlotte Water in 2009. Based on its success, four improved beta units were developed and tested the following year. The production version launched in 2012 and was later recognized with WEF’s Innovative Technology Award.
Today, more than 1,350 utilities have used InfoSense technology to streamline the everyday demands of maintaining wastewater collection systems.
Our values guide how we work-with each other and with the many customers we serve.
We empower every team member to make informed decisions that move our mission forward.
Our technology helps communities keep people healthy and use resources more wisely.
We support each other and our customers, because good teamwork drives great results.
Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of continuous improvement, we refine every process and product over time.
We bring care and accuracy to every detail—from development and manufacturing to deployment in the field.
From setup to inspection and data interpretation, we’re responsive, reliable, and ready to help.
Dr. Ivan Howitt, faculty member at UNC Charlotte, begins researching sewer inspection technology based on years of problems brought forth by Charlotte Water. Click to watch our origin story as told by founder Dr. Howitt.
InfoSense, Inc. formed in North Carolina.
Develops acoustic communication technologies developed from Dr. Howitt’s research.
Wins National Science Foundation Small Business Innovation Research Grant. Enables product development, company formation, and business operations.
Based on feedback from Charlotte Water, Dr. Howitt develops first generation of the Sewer Line Rapid Assessment Tool or SL-RAT. Charlotte Water becomes the first SL-RAT customer.
A second generation version of the SL-RAT is developed with an improved user interface, better power management, and ruggedized for field use. Charlotte Water purchases several units that successfully inspect over 1 million feet of pipe.
Based on customer feedback, a third generation SL-RAT is developed that is lighter, GPS enabled, and further ruggedized.
InfoSense wins the WEF Innovative Technology Award as well as an NC IDEA grant, the Charlotte Venture Challenge High Tech category, and the Charlotte Chamber Power Up grant for promising technology companies. Patent issued in June 2012.
Recognized as fastest-growing Charlotte private company. Growth driven by expansion into new markets.
Sewer Line Data Organizer (SL-DOG) developed to store/manage acoustic inspection data. Data validated and accepted by the US EPA.
iOS & Android mobile apps released. Provides GPS mapping & reporting capabilities. Enables real-time field data uploads for utilities.
ASTM develops a standard (F3220-17) for acoustic inspection. Defines practices for rapid assessment of gravity sewer lines.
Partnership for nationwide acoustic inspection services. Expands coverage into California, Indiana, Utah & Wyoming.
InfoSense offers direct inspection services to utilities. Expands customer support alongside technology sales.
Partnership initiated with Veolia in Latin America. Began offering turnkey SL-RAT service program. Took on the Reliant Water product line in WA, OR, AK, MT, and WI.
SL-DOG API released. Expanded partnership with RH Borden to TX and NM. Initiated sales representation with RedZone Robotics.
Reached 500 Million feet (150 Million meters) of pipe inspected by over 2000 utilities. Control box cushions released.
