Image via WikipediaHigh Voltage Transmission Line Inspection Robot
The Expliner is a semi-autonomous robot, developed by HiBot, used to inspect high voltagetransmission lines.
When the robot comes up against obstacles while traversing the lines, it can manipulate it’s center of gravity to move around them.
The robot uses eight cameras to inspect four lines simultaneously, continuously recording a 360° view of each line. It also records GPS information as well as the distance from the tower so that any defects are not only easy to locate, but also so operators can track the deterioration of the lines over time.After inspection, the data is automatically processed on the ground and any anomalies found such as rust, defects, surface damage, or line diameter changes which can be indicative of internal corrosion, are flagged for inspection.The Expliner will begin commercial operation in 2011.
When the robot comes up against obstacles while traversing the lines, it can manipulate it’s center of gravity to move around them.
The robot uses eight cameras to inspect four lines simultaneously, continuously recording a 360° view of each line. It also records GPS information as well as the distance from the tower so that any defects are not only easy to locate, but also so operators can track the deterioration of the lines over time.After inspection, the data is automatically processed on the ground and any anomalies found such as rust, defects, surface damage, or line diameter changes which can be indicative of internal corrosion, are flagged for inspection.The Expliner will begin commercial operation in 2011.
