Robots designed to inspect power lines
Thursday, June 10, 2010 - 07:21
in Biology & Nature
(PhysOrg.com) -- Overhead transmission lines traverse thousands of kilometers, often crossing remote areas. Inspecting the often ageing lines and the vegetation near them is an important aspect of maintenance, but it can be extremely expensive and is sometimes dangerous. Now a robot has been designed to travel along transmission lines, covering 130 km of line at least twice a year, inspecting the line and checking for high-risk vegetation.