The power and utilities industry is using technological advancement for experiencing a profound transformation in its power line infrastructure.
Emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), digital twins, Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and robotics are propelling this paradigm shift, facilitating remote monitoring and predictive maintenance to enhance the efficiency and reliability of power transmission networks.
GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, emphasized the industry’s commitment to ensuring a smarter and more resilient energy infrastructure. The strategic adoption of AI, digital twins, and IIoT is revolutionizing operations towards a data-centric approach. This integration allows utilities to optimize power infrastructure management, minimizing downtime and ensuring grid stability, said Vaibhav Gundre, Project Manager at Disruptive Tech at GlobalData.
Rahul Kumar Singh, Senior Analyst of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, highlighted the industry’s embrace of robotics and drones for maintenance purposes, promoting operational excellence and safety. These technologies facilitate precise inspections and repairs, reducing human risk and streamlining cost structures. The transition to digitizing analog assets and enabling remote maintenance fortifies grid resilience and positions the industry for sustainable and dependable energy distribution, he added.
GlobalData’s FutureTech Series report, “Power lines in Utilities 2.0: how tech is driving the sector innovation,” unveiled over 30 disruptive forces in the power and utilities sector, categorized based on their rate of innovation growth – emerging, accelerating, and maturing innovation areas.
In recent collaborations, National Grid partnered with Line Vision to enhance overhead power line capacity through sensor installations and a dynamic line rating (DLR) platform, enabling real-time capacity improvements.
Electric Power Development partnered with Okayama University to develop autonomous drone-based photography technology for transmission line monitoring, enhancing inspection quality and safety.
ISA CTEEP teamed up with Drone Power to create an incinerating drone to eliminate objects that threaten electricity supply by falling onto transmission lines.
Rahul Kumar Singh concluded that the power industry’s progressive integration of AI, digital twins, IIoT, robotics, and drones signifies a transformative shift towards data-driven and automated operations. This transformation is setting a new benchmark for efficient, safe, and sustainable energy distribution. As these technologies become integral to the sector, a future of increased operational efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and heightened safety is being paved.