Aerial Robots for Infrastructure Inspection in Energy
/Energy companies are turning to innovative solutions like aerial robots to enhance infrastructure inspection, improve efficiency, and overcome industry challenges. At this year’s Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, Corey Hitchcock and Mitch Morris from Skydio explored how drones are transforming inspection and maintenance practices for utility providers, particularly through advanced condition-based maintenance and live inspection capabilities.
Here’s a recap of that session. Watch this and other EDRS sessions on demand.
Understanding the Industry Challenges
From Skydio
Utility companies face a mix of internal and external challenges. Aging infrastructure, budget constraints, and workforce shortages make asset management increasingly complex. Additionally, regulatory pressures, such as the need to meet environmental standards and mitigate wildfire risks, add to these challenges. Hitchcock, a utility solutions specialist at Skydio, emphasized the difficulties in maintaining older assets while keeping up with regulatory demands and stakeholder expectations.
How Drones Offer Solutions
To meet these demands, Skydio provides a scalable drone solution for condition-based maintenance, helping companies allocate resources more effectively. Instead of sending personnel for routine inspections, drones can perform precise, real-time monitoring, even in challenging conditions. This approach provides a more proactive maintenance strategy, allowing companies to address potential issues before they escalate into costly repairs or outages.
Real-World Application: Live Drone Inspections
One highlight of Skydio's technology is the ability to perform live drone inspections, which was demonstrated during the session with a drone deployed to inspect a substation in Hayward, California. Morris, Skydio’s deployment engineer, explained how a single inspection captured critical issues such as overheating circuit breakers and oil levels in transformers—and squirrels!—issues that typically require manual inspection.
Using thermal imaging and high-resolution visuals, the drone detected a 100-degree temperature difference on one breaker and hot spots on another component. These findings allow teams to respond more effectively by deploying the right personnel and equipment for the job, reducing the guesswork often associated with maintenance.
Skydio Dock and Remote Operations
At the core of Skydio's inspection capabilities is the Skydio Dock, a compact and weather-resistant housing for drones, complete with remote operational capabilities. This technology enables companies to conduct inspections remotely, minimizing the need for on-site personnel and allowing operators to observe real-time footage from anywhere. According to Skydio, the dock is engineered to withstand harsh environments, featuring filtration and positive pressure systems to protect against dust and extreme weather.
A Regulatory-Ready Solution
For utilities, operating drones autonomously requires adherence to regulatory standards. Skydio has developed robust compliance protocols, obtaining BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) waivers for many clients. This capability allows drones to fly autonomously and inspect infrastructure across vast areas, complying with FAA guidelines while meeting safety and performance standards.
Conclusion
By deploying Skydio's drones, utility companies can move from reactive to proactive maintenance. This shift not only optimizes resource use but also enhances safety, accuracy, and regulatory compliance, making drones a valuable asset in modernizing energy infrastructure. As the demand for smarter, more resilient utility systems grows, aerial robotics technology like Skydio’s is becoming essential for the future of energy.
There’s more where that came from. Mark your calendars for June 16-18 and join us for the 2025 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit in Houston, Texas and learn from real-world utility inspection use cases..
