Robot checks for power line faults

The Robotic Cable Inspection System aims to cut down on occupational hazards as it features a robot that is smart enough to scurry along a power line, checking for various kinds of damage on main power distribution cables that measure 3″ in diameter. This robot utilizes a trio of sensors (heat, acoustic, and a fringing electric field sensor) to take stock of the situation, sending back a video feed wirelessly whenever it stumbles upon a problem. This new development is good news as it means power cables can be properly maintained without posing the risk of sending a human to do what was meant to be a robot’s job. Thankfully, technology has caught up with the times for such jobs. More work needs to be done in order to refine the system.