In the dynamic landscape of the power and utilities industry, power lines are witnessing a paradigm shift driven by technologies such as AI, digital twins, IIoT, and robotics. These innovations have enabled remote monitoring and predictive maintenance, improving the reliability and efficiency of power transmission networks. Whether it is optimizing the overhead or underground power lines or leveraging drones for inspections, the industry is continuously evolving to ensure a smarter and more resilient energy infrastructure, says GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

Vaibhav Gundre, Project Manager at Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, comments: “The power industry’s strategic adoption of AI, digital twins, and IIoT represents a significant move towards data-centric operations. Such integration allows utilities to optimize the management of power infrastructure, leading to minimized downtime and enhanced grid stability. Keeping pace with these technological evolutions is paramount for ensuring an energy future marked by elevated efficiency and reduced environmental footprint.”

Rahul Kumar Singh, Senior Analyst of Disruptive Tech at GlobalData, comments: “Complementing these developments, the power industry’s incorporation of robotics and drones for maintenance underlines its commitment to operational excellence and safety. These technologies facilitate precise inspections and repairs, mitigating human risk and streamlining cost structures. The transition towards digitizing analog assets and enabling remote maintenance not only fortifies grid resilience but also positions the industry for more sustainable and dependable energy distribution.”

GlobalData’s FutureTech Series report, “Power lines in Utilities 2.0: how tech is driving the sector innovation,” highlights more than 30 disruptive forces in power and utilities as emerging, accelerating, and maturing innovation areas based on their rate of growth in innovation.

National Grid partnered with Line Vision in October 2022 to boost overhead power line capacity through sensor installation and a dynamic line rating (DLR) platform, enabling real-time capacity improvements.

Electric Power Development collaborated with Okayama University in June 2022 to create autonomous drone-based photography technology for transmission line monitoring, enhancing inspection quality and safety through advanced sensors and image processing.

ISA CTEEP joined forces with Drone Power in August 2021 to create an incinerating drone designed to eliminate objects, such as balloons and kites, that pose a threat to electricity supply by falling onto transmission lines.

Singh concludes: “The power industry’s progressive integration of AI, digital twins, IIoT, robotics, and drones underscores a transformative shift towards data-driven and automated operations. By digitizing traditional assets and emphasizing remote maintenance, the industry is not only enhancing grid robustness but also 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.”