Mechanical engineers at the University of California, San
Diego invented a robot designed to scoot along utility lines, searching for
damage and other problems that require repairs. Made of off-the-shelf
electronics and plastic parts printed on an inexpensive 3D printer, the
SkySweeper prototype could be scaled up for less than $1,000, making it
significantly more economical than the two models of robots currently used to
inspect power lines.
“Current line inspection robots are large, complex, and
expensive. Utility companies may also use manned or unmanned helicopters
equipped with infrared imaging to inspect lines,” said Nick Morozovsky, a graduate
student in mechanical engineering. “This is much simpler.” Morozovsky designed
the robot in the Coordinated Robotics Lab led by mechanical and aerospace
engineering professor Tom Bewley.