Utilities Could See More Drones, Robots Inspecting Equipment

摘要

Transmission and distribution (T&D) operators and utilities are beginning to examine how UAVs can reduce costs, improve safety, and increase response times across their systems. "Working on high- and medium-voltage T&D systems is difficult, expensive and highly dangerous; in fact, a lineworker is considered one of the 10 most dangerous occupations in the United States," says James McCray, senior research analyst with Navigant Research. "While the drones and ro- botics for transmission and distribution market is still at an early stage, there's a strong motivation in allowing utilities and transmissions operators to perform inspections and maintenance without endangering crew members."