Live-line work robot debuts in Tianshui, Gansu

A live-line work robot made its debut at a power operation site in Qin'an county, Tianshui, Gansu province on Jan 13. Remotely controlled by an operator, the robot precisely performed tasks such as stripping insulation and installing grounding rings on live wires. This operation marks a key step into an intelligent and safer new phase for distribution network maintenance at the State Grid Tianshui Power Supply Company.

Traditional manual live-line work requires crews to wear heavy insulating gear and perform tasks at height. In contrast, this robot transmits real-time video via high-definition cameras and smart sensors, allowing ground-based operators to monitor the entire process without the need for complex insulation covering, fundamentally transforming the traditional workflow.

The technology mitigates risks of electric shock and falls associated with high-altitude work while reducing labor intensity. In terms of efficiency, the robot can install a set of grounding rings in just 25 minutes, which is over 50 percent faster than the 60 minutes typically required for manual operation. Its millimeter-level repetitive positioning accuracy and all-weather capability make it particularly effective in complex terrains and densely wired areas, ensuring greater power supply reliability.

A site supervisor said the robot addresses the pain points of high safety risks and high labor intensity in traditional live-line work, while notably improving precision and efficiency. This technology has already been deployed across 26 provincial and municipal power companies in China, representing a leading domestic standard.

State Grid Tianshui plans to further expand the use of such robots to high-risk and challenging operational areas across the city and will train interdisciplinary personnel skilled in both power engineering and robotics operation. By deeply integrating intelligent technology into grid maintenance, this practice not only enhances safety, precision, and efficiency but also provides a replicable "Chinese solution" for global power systems pursuing more reliable and sustainable energy services.