A Novel Modular Biomimetic Live Working Robot for Power Distribution Line

Abstract

Live working on power distribution lines is an effective way to improve the reliability of power supply. The aerial lift device with an insulated boom is often used as a platform to carry out live working, which is difficult to carry out in mountainous areas, paddy fields, and other complex environments. At the same time, power distribution live working requires highly skilled operators, and a lot of personal security measures, which is not conducive to the application in some developing countries. We imagine that the solution of the above problem is to use a robot to climb up the pole and complete the live working instead of the operator. In this article we report a low-cost modular biomimetic robot. The structure of the robot is designed to meet the requirements of live working, and the motion mechanism of the robot climbing poles and performing live work is analyzed. The feasibility of the technology is verified through simulation, experiments, and tests.

Perspective Chapter: Biomimetics – Bio-Inspired Tissular Engineering for Regenerative Oral, Dental and Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Solutions

“…In 2022, a novel modular biomimetic live working robot was designed and developed [25], inspired by the motion of inch-worms (which have two rows of legs on head and tail to latch, stick, or suck onto objects for bodily support), for use in the power distribution line, is depicted in Figure 6C. Basically, the 3-D rendered robotic system is intended to climb up the pole and complete the live working on power distribution lines, instead of the human operator, as a safer and more effective way to improve the reliability of power supply, especially in difficult or challenging areas such as mountains, as an alternative to traditional aerial lifts.…”

“…Basically, the 3-D rendered robotic system is intended to climb up the pole and complete the live working on power distribution lines, instead of the human operator, as a safer and more effective way to improve the reliability of power supply, especially in difficult or challenging areas such as mountains, as an alternative to traditional aerial lifts. The single-body robotic system (weighing less than 25 kg) demonstrated flexibility and rapidity in pole climbing via its modular design, thereby facilitating different configuration combinations in order to achieve different movement and performance requirements [25].…”