This Sensor will Prevent Collision with Power Lines 

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Power lines are small and difficult to see for drones with radar or optical sensors. Existing wire-avoidance technologies are said to be bulky, expensive and have technical limitations. 

However, powerlines generate large fields that can be easily detected with low-power, low-cost, passive electric, and magnetic-field sensors. 

The innovative sensor will help small drones to detect and avoid collision with energised power lines. Researchers at the US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command’s Army Research Laboratory have developed a sensor and software application that will enable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to adjust their flight path and navigate through electrical power lines.

The technology uses a configuration of field and 3-D sensors with low-power processing methods, which allows the UAS’ autopilot to identify power lines and prevent a potential collision.

The use of the new sensors is expected to reduce size and associated costs. The new technology can also help in identifying damaged power grids after a calamity or mapping power grids. It can also be used for routine inspection of the power lines, according to army-technology.com.