R&D phases of a mobile robot prototype applied to underground distribution lines

Abstract

This video summarizes the R&D phases of the first robot prototype designed to operate and maintain equipment in vaults for Hydro-Québec's underground distribution lines, carried out between 2003 and 2009. Detailed segments discuss project's context, proof of concept, simulations, description and design of robotic platform subsystems, prototype testing at IREQ in the lab and in an outdoor vault, field testing in Montreal on a Joslyn switch in a de-energized vault, and the future of the project.

Hydro-Québec's Power Line Robotics Program: 15 years of development, implementation and partnerships

“…Many technologies have also been developed for inspection, maintenance and refurbishment tasks on overhead and underground distribution facilities [9][10]. For many years, IREQ's Robotics Group actively designed inspection robots for CANDU nuclear reactors.…”