Terra Drone launches UAV AI-based solution for power asset inspection

Terra Drone Corporation, the world’s largest provider of industrial drone solutions, has launched a new UAV and AI-based solution set for the maintenance of power transmission and distribution equipment.

The solution was developed based on the market gaps identified after inspecting over 90,000 km of power lines.

Acquired data is automatically processed and analyzed by artificial intelligence algorithms which are trained to detect crossovers at the bottom of transmission lines, buildings and construction machinery.

Terra Drone’s new system identifies rust on bolts, loosening and missing tower parts, bird’s nest, vegetation encroachment, etc and generates a smart report, highlighting the areas that require action. The error (identified anomaly) detection system is accurate up to 92.5 per cent. The algorithm is developed through a process identifying anomalies in a training data set of approximately 1,500 images, this allows for a custom solution to be created for the end client where all pertinent anomalies are identified and reported. The development and training of the algorithm only needs to be completed once for a particular type of asset and can be implemented easily at different locations on similar assets.

With such a high-precision algorithm, the productivity of AI processing allows for fast actionable results to be provided to clientele. Clients also have the ability to identify the appropriate security protocols for data storage in either a cloud-based or on-premises storage environment. These protocols can then be implemented in a custom client specific solution.

Power transmission and distribution companies must conduct periodic inspections of power line infrastructure to ensure reliable electric power distribution, although the conventional methods of deploying ground staff or low-flying helicopters to complete the inspections, they are typically cost prohibitive. Conventional helicopter and boots-on-the-ground service also pose HSE concerns with low flying helicopters and people working in the field. UAV service and AI inspection can aid in minimizing HSE concerns by reducing the number of workers in the field and eliminate low level manned helicopter missions.

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This solution has been built from ground up with the aim to simplify and streamline the maintenance work for transmission and distribution facilities, a statement from Terra Drone Corporation said.

(Key to abbreviations: AI = Artificial Intelligence, UAV = Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, HSE = Health, Safety and Environment)