F1 giant Williams teams up with SSEN

Perth utility SSE is teaming up with the group behind the Williams F1 racing team to build the world’s first live overhead electricity line inspection robot.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has entered into a partnership with Williams Advanced Engineering (WAE) to produce design specifications for the device, which will be capable of operating in high voltage environments.

Development of the LISAS – Line Inspection by Semi-Autonomous Systems device – is being funded by Ofgem’s Network Innovation Allowance fund.

Assuming successful development, the trials will be the first time a highly autonomous robot will be used to inspect electricity networks in the United Kingdom.

The final robot will be capable of navigating overhead lines and pylons and capture asset data to inform reinforcement and maintenance requirements.

“The use of robotics to help us inspect and maintain our network has the potential to provide enormous benefits to our customers and our people, from improvements in safety and network reliability, to reduced costs for our customers,” Stewart Reid, SSEN’s head of innovation, said.

“Robotics are already changing the world around us and I am very excited to see this agreement in place with Williams Advanced Engineering.

“Dedicated to developing the most cutting-edge engineering projects, their team will bring significant technical expertise and knowledge to the project.”

WAE’s Iain Wight said it was an exciting project to be involved in.

“The capabilities we have are applicable across industry and our team is delighted to be able to apply them to the energy sector with SSEN.”

Ben Pirie of SSEN with Stu Olden of Williams Advanced Engineering.