Terna Maintenance of Cables and Infrastructure Enhanced by Robotics. Successful Tests with hibot
At the Rondissone electrical substation, hibot successfully completed functionality tests with Terna
In October, at the Rondissone electrical substation in Turin, hibot successfully completed functionality tests with Terna. Terna is advancing approximately 70 innovation projects.
Robotics finds applications in a wide range of fields, from industry to future smart homes, where humanoid robots could perform household tasks and chores. The field of infrastructure maintenance has become one of the key areas for robotics testing, as demonstrated by Terna, Italy's national transmission network operator led by Giuseppina Di Foggia, in collaboration with hibot. Hibot has worked together with Terna to develop an initial prototype robot capable of moving along conductors and overhead ground wires of aerial power lines. In this delicate context, the machine can perform maintenance tasks even while the lines are in operation and continue transmitting electricity.
How Terna's Robot Works
At the end of October, hibot and Terna successfully completed functionality tests of the robot at the Rondissone Electrical Substation in the province of Turin. The activities included validating the current functionality of the prototype by testing the installation of preformed rods on electricity-transmitting cables. The robot also demonstrated its ability to install aerial marker spheres on the overhead ground wire using automated tools mounted on the driving unit.
"Robotic solutions like the one we are developing with hibot will support our teams and ensure an even higher level of safety during the maintenance of assets we perform daily across Italy," commented Carla Napolitano, Terna's Head of Innovation. "Additionally, this project aligns with our ongoing commitment to evolving, innovating, and improving efficiency in these activities by developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance infrastructure performance, delivering significant benefits to the entire national power grid."
Terna's Innovation Projects
The aerial power line maintenance robot tests follow earlier laboratory trials and subsequent tests conducted in early 2024 at the "test field" in Bertignano, in the province of Biella. Patent applications for the developed solution were led in June. The next steps include launching a new project phase focused on developing additional functionalities and optimizing the robot for installation on power lines. The goal is to complete the prototype and initiate the adoption of this innovative solution by 2025.
Terna is currently advancing approximately 70 innovation projects. In parallel, the Group operates through Terna Forward, its subsidiary dedicated to technological innovation with a funding allocation of €50 million. Between March and September 2024, the company made several investments in key sectors, completing four direct operations in startups and innovative SMEs.
hibot Corporation
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