Avangrid Pilots Mobile Robot Dog to Advance Substation Inspections with Artificial Intelligence
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Insights
The integration of AI in utility operations, such as the collaboration between Avangrid, Levatas and Boston Dynamics, signifies a transformative step in the energy sector. This move towards AI-enhanced inspections could potentially lead to a paradigm shift in operational efficiency and reliability. By deploying the Spot robot for substation inspections, Avangrid is positioning itself at the forefront of technological adoption in the industry. This could result in improved asset management and predictive maintenance capabilities, reducing downtime and operational costs over time.
From an investment standpoint, this pilot project could be a harbinger for future cost savings and enhanced customer satisfaction due to fewer outages and better service quality. If successful, Avangrid's initiative may set a benchmark for other utilities, potentially leading to widespread industry adoption, which in turn could create a ripple effect on suppliers and service providers within the sector. The long-term implications for investors include the potential for improved profitability and a stronger competitive position for Avangrid.
The deployment of Boston Dynamics' Spot robot equipped with Levatas' AI models represents a significant advancement in the field of autonomous systems. The ability to read analog gauges, capture thermal images and detect equipment damage using a mobile robot indicates a leap in the practical application of AI within industrial settings. This technology not only enhances the speed and accuracy of inspections but also introduces a level of data analytics previously unattainable through manual processes.
For stakeholders, the integration of such technology could translate into a more robust data collection framework, enabling predictive analytics and smarter investment in infrastructure upgrades. The AI models developed by Levatas are likely to evolve through machine learning, continually improving the inspection process. This continuous improvement cycle is pivotal for staying ahead in an industry where efficiency and reliability are critical success factors.
Utilizing AI for substation inspections can significantly mitigate risks associated with equipment failure and service interruption. The ability to proactively identify and address potential issues before they lead to outages is a substantial benefit. This not only minimizes the risk of costly downtime for Avangrid but also helps in maintaining a stable and reliable power supply, which is crucial for both residential and commercial customers.
Moreover, the option to remotely control the Spot robot or to set it on autonomous missions reduces the need for human inspectors to be in potentially hazardous environments, thereby enhancing worker safety. As the technology matures and becomes more integrated into daily operations, it could also serve as a risk mitigation tool in disaster response scenarios, where the assessment of infrastructure integrity is vital.
Company collaborating with Levatas and Boston Dynamics to launch pilot project
Among utility industry’s pioneers using artificial intelligence to detect and analyze substation equipment
“We’re very proud to once again be among the utility industry pioneers pushing the boundaries of technology,” said Pedro Azagra, Avangrid CEO. “Last year, we announced the establishment of an in-house team to build unique machine learning models to increase reliability. With this pilot project, we are now exploring using AI in another aspect of our business where there is great potential to bring high value to our customers and stakeholders. This type of innovation will help us be more efficient, target our investments, and increase reliability for our customers.”
The pilot project will take place at UI’s Singer and East Shore substations and test a variety of AI models, developed by Levatas, to read analog gauges, record thermal images, and detect damaged equipment. To do so, the robot dog—nicknamed Sparky by the Avangrid team—is outfitted with a camera that has a 30 times optical zoom and an infrared camera capable of taking thermal readings to compare the transformer and breaker phases. There is also an option to attach an acoustic sensor that can detect, locate, and visualize changes in sound signatures, malfunctioning equipment, and other noise anomalies in real-time. The robot also has a core processor to enhance autonomous navigation and communications.
At the Singer substation, the project will test how quickly and accurately the robot can detect and read several of the substation’s analog gauges. At East Shore substation, the project will test the robot’s ability to inspect transformers, circuit breakers and capacitor banks. Initially the robot will be controlled by an onsite operator using a tablet, which can be used to both drive the robot and create autonomous missions. Avangrid is also working to install software that would allow for remote operation as well.
“It's amazing to see this technology, which was inconceivable a few years ago, in our hands bringing value and benefits to our customers,” said Catherine Stempien, Avangrid Networks President and CEO. “While there will be many benefits, most important is that we expect Sparky will increase the frequency of our substation inspections so that we can see how our equipment is functioning during different seasons, times of the day, and energy loads. With this increased amount of data, we will have the potential to proactively identify unknown issues and trends before they cause outages that impact our customers. This is a great example of innovation and technology helping us do more.”
"Levatas is thrilled to be part of the effort deploying AI-enabled Spot robots within Avangrid substations as we automate inspections to increase grid reliability,” said Chris Nielsen, Levatas CEO. “The value being delivered by these solutions is real and it's measurable, which is exciting because we feel that we're just scratching the surface."
“We at Boston Dynamics are driven by a belief that agile mobile robots can help solve real world problems,” said Marco da Silva, Head of Spot Product Development at Boston Dynamics. “We’re proud to collaborate with Levatas to advance Avangrid’s United Illuminating plant reliability. This pilot will not only change expectations of what robots can do, but it will also enrich critical visual and thermal substation inspections.”
About Avangrid: Avangrid, Inc. (NYSE: AGR) aspires to be the leading sustainable energy company in
About Levatas: Based in
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240208506585/en/
Media:
Sarah Warren
sarah.warren@avangrid.com
585-794-9253
Source: AVANGRID, Inc.
FAQ
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