This is the moment a robotic “Spider” drone battles Arctic winds to smash ice from high-voltage power lines during a high-risk test in Russia’s frozen north.
The operation took place in the Murmansk Region, north-western Russia, according to reports from 12th February.
Specialists from the innovation company “Laboratory of the Future” carried out the trial to remove dangerous ice and frost build-up from overhead electricity lines using the unmanned “Spider” system.
Governor Andrey Chibis said the work was conducted in test mode in extremely challenging conditions, with communication reportedly jammed in some areas.
He said the drone had cleared four kilometres (2.4 miles) of wire so far, with each section taking approximately four to five minutes to process.
Footage shows the drone approaching the ice-covered cables, carefully landing on the frozen wire and moving along it as thick frost and ice are dislodged and fall away.
According to the company, power lines are currently cleared either using costly ice-melting systems, where technically possible, or manually with the line switched off and workers using special poles, allowing only individual sections of spans to be treated.
Developers said the test was carried out near an active 150 kV power line in sub-zero temperatures and strong side winds, with GPS and radio signals reportedly disrupted, forcing operators to switch to full manual control.
The company said the effectiveness of the “Spider” system was confirmed by a representative of the customer following the trial, adding that it is intended for use in areas where previous methods are considered too risky or too expensive.
To find out more about the author, editor or agency that supplied this story – please click below. Story By: Aloysius Fernandes, Sub-Editor: Simona Kitanovska, Agency: Clipzilla
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