
How are drones and smart technologies transforming overhead line inspection and maintenance?
2025-08-13Drones are no longer just for visual checks; they are now integrated with sophisticated sensors and software to provide a comprehensive view of overhead line health. Advanced drone-based inspection uses:
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High-Resolution Cameras and Thermal Sensors: These payloads capture detailed images and detect thermal anomalies (hotspots) in components, identifying potential failures before they escalate.
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LiDAR Systems: LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) creates precise 3D maps of the power line corridor, helping with vegetation management and structural analysis.
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AI and Automation: Automated flight missions can be programmed to follow a specific route repeatedly, and AI-powered software can analyze the collected data to automatically detect defects, making inspections faster, more accurate, and more frequent.