Ground based robots for energized transmission line work-technology description, field projects and technical-economical justification of their application

The increase in live-line work procedures has stimulated the development and use of robotic devices to increase safety to field personnel and to minimize the risk to power system reliability when performing live-line work. This paper describes ground based robots which are designed to remotely capture and control energized conductors and execute tasks that are far above the human capabilities from mechanical and electrical stress perspectives. Furthermore, experiences of ground based robots along with lessons learned from field projects in three different countries are described. Finally, the paper presents factors that justify the application of ground based robots and further developments in the area.