22.12.2022

Smart drones to inspect high-voltage pylons : an innovation by Eiffage Énergie Systèmes

Eiffage Énergie Systèmes Transport and Distribution teams are currently breaking new ground for their customer RTE with the inspection of high-voltage lines by drones. They aim to reduce human hazards and improve performance by industrializing the task. 

Smart drones to inspect high-voltage pylons : an innovation by Eiffage Énergie Systèmes

 

The drone is controlled remotely by a pilot and will take hundreds of photos of the pylon. The pictures will then be analyzed by software equipped with artificial intelligence (AI), in order to establish a precise diagnosis of the pylon's state of health and identify areas that need repair, such as its state of corrosion. 

 

This technique enables areas with previously limited access to be easily visualized. The aerial images allow a diagnosis to be made and accurate assessment to be carried out. These drone inspections are beneficial for both the operational teams and the customer, saving time and improving efficiency and safety, since the teams no longer have to go to hazardous or inaccessible areas. The risk of accidents is therefore virtually zero. The assignment is carried out in complete safety from the ground. 

 

The first AI brick for photo analysis was delivered in the first half of the year. The solution is currently being integrated into Eiffage Energie Systèmes' application platform SmartForest, which hosts ground-breaking IT solutions. At the same time, surveyors are being trained internally to fly drones.. 

 

This innovation is expected to come into operation in the course of 2023. 

 

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