Application of autonomous platforms/robots in power cable operation and maintenance

With advancing economies and technology, urban power grids are shifting from overhead lines to underground cables, becoming a new infrastructure for modern cities. Manual underground cable inspections face issues like safety risks and low efficiency. Robotic inspection offers improved flexibility and intelligence. By combining static and dynamic monitoring systems, fully automated inspection and maintenance systems enhance the safety of cable passages. This article serves as the summary of the CIGRE’s B1.93 Working Group Report which explores applications of autonomous platforms for power cable inspections, outlines technical requirements, evaluates automation strategies, and identifies standardization needs to advance robotic inspection technology.