I encountered this on an inspection yesterday and, besides being a trip hazard, I am not sure what this is. This is the main gas line into the home and this was attached. I could not tell if it tapped into the line.
what does the label on the front say ? then just google it.
it only looks like it is attached to the pipe, not tapped into it. as if it was I would think it would leak.
It is more then likely a remote meter reading device for the utility company. as the meter is more then likely in the basement.