Powerline Inspection
Drone technology offers linemen a powerful tool for inspecting electric utility infrastructure. By capturing aerial views aligned with a lineman’s vantage point, drones help identify issues more accurately and efficiently. They allow close-up inspection of connection points on three-phase Smart Reclosers, Trip savers, OCRs, and Regulators—areas that are often difficult to assess from the ground.
This approach enhances safety, reduces guesswork, and supports better decision-making. When integrated with GIS systems, drone data becomes even more valuable, streamlining maintenance planning and improving system reliability.
Critically, drone inspections also help reduce wildfire risk. By detecting damaged equipment, loose connections, or vegetation encroachment early, utilities can take preventive action before faults lead to ignition. This proactive visibility is especially vital in high-risk zones where traditional patrols may miss subtle but dangerous conditions.
Hepta
• End-to-end power line inspections using autonomous drones equipped with RGB, thermal, and LiDAR sensors.
• AI-enhanced software analyzes images to detect defects like damaged insulators, overheating, vegetation encroachment, and structural issues.
• Cloud-based A B platform gives utilities a full overview of grid health, helping prioritize repairs and reduce outages.
• Operational impact: Utilities using Hepta have reported up to 300% improvement in SAIDI scores and millions in annual cost savings.
Hepta interface
Problems
We find every type of problems. We can fully customize labeling and ratings of every problem on how it pertains to you
Thermals
Drones equipped with thermal cameras can quickly scan transmission lines, transformers, and insulators for overheating, corrosion, or electrical faults that aren’t visible to the naked eye. This allows crews to spot failing components before they cause outages or fires. Because drones fly close to the lines without needing helicopters or climbing gear, inspections are safer, faster, and more cost-effective. They also cover remote or rugged terrain with ease, and the thermal data they collect supports predictive maintenance and smarter asset management.
Problems you can find with the drone
Top of the poles are rotting out. From the ground view you arent able to see problems like this.