AI-Based Solution for Consistent Problem

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The inspection of over 90,000 km of power lines beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) throughout the world has recently yielded a new drone-based solution set for the maintenance of power transmission and distribution equipment.

Power transmission and distribution companies must conduct periodic inspections of power line infrastructure to ensure reliable electric power distribution. The conventional methods of deploying ground staff or low-flying helicopters to complete the inspections are typically cost-prohibitive. Conventional helicopter and boots-on-the-ground service also pose concerns with low flying helicopters and people working in the field. 

The new UAV and artificial-intelligence (AI)-based solution was developed by Terra Drone.  

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

According to gpsworld.com, the system identifies failures and then generates a smart report highlighting areas that require action. 

The algorithm for an area is developed through a process identifying anomalies in a training data set of 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 need 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. 

The system can also identify the appropriate security protocols for data storage in either a cloud-based or on-premises storage environment.