By Lynda Myer
Spot is the robotic dog that is about the size of a Labrador and changing the way UK Power Networks carries out tunnel inspections, while being used on the underground power network in London, and east and south-east England
In order to making sure that underground cables remain reliable, and also assess how quickly the infrastructure’s condition changes, this remote-controlled robot gathers camera footage and thermal imaging, which is then combined with a new machine-learning platform using historical data.
In the first UK trial Spot was equipped with lights, cameras and advanced thermal imaging sensors to capture data.
According to the initial results, one of the advantages of this robot is that it could halve maintenance inspection times where staff work in confined spaces
Spot was supplied by US firm Boston Dynamics and financial support of the project is up to Arup, whose new web platform includes a machine-learning interface to analyses the condition of tunnels and equipment with a high degree of accuracy.
Ian Cameron, UK Power Networks’ director of customer service and innovation, said: “Staff safety was the company’s top priority. The application of Spot alongside Arup’s digital interface has proven to be a massive success and could significantly reduce the risk to staff during tunnel and shaft inspections.”
He also added: “This is cutting-edge technology, allowing us to focus on other areas of the network and potentially saving our customers money in the process.”
While the number of existed tunnels across UK Power Networks’ operating areas is 47, each year more than 160 tunnel inspections are carried out, costing over £1m.
