SA Power Networks trials Boston Dynamics robotic dog to patrol powerlines

Just like its real-life furry counterpart, Spot the dog loves inspecting SA Power Network Stobie poles across the state.

With dogged determination to do their job, powerline workers regularly check the state’s Stobie poles and wires for signs of wear and tear.

Now, they have a four-legged friend to help them as they patrol the streets and backwoods of the electricity system.

But not a four-legged friend of the furry kind, rather one of the latest hi-tech robotic dogs.

Spot, made by Boston Dynamics, is being programmed and trialled to walk the streets, fitted with a high definition camera to take photos of the SA Power Networks infrastructure and check for faults.

The robot, which cost a bit over $100,000, will work with a drone in many areas.

“Spot will move from Stobie pole to Stobie pole and take multiple images of the poles, powerlines and transformers as it moves along a street,” SAPN spokesman Paul Roberts said.

“Common issues to identify may include low lines, damaged poles, and ageing equipment. “Spot will be able to navigate through rough terrain and areas that may be dangerous for staff. “We will pair it with a skilled operator who will always stay near the unit and our staff will check the photographs to identify any issues.

“By pairing a robot or drone with a skilled asset management officer, the officer can apply their skills where they’re best utilised.

“The robot meanwhile completes the repetitive, basic tasks like collecting images.”

A simulated image of "Spot" the robotic dog at an SA Power Networks site. The robot is now being programmed for trials.

SA Power Networks is currently training Spot to do its job, using its own in-house technology staff to adapt and develop the software programs it needs.

The software will also be used for the drones, which SAPN expects to play an increasingly important role.

“As well as maintenance, if there’s been a bushfire we can send in Spot and drones to check the state of the poles and wires without endangering our people,” Mr Roberts said.

After the Kangaroo Island bushfires, SAPN used a drone to restring the wires, in a gain for safety and speed.

SAPN hopes aviation rules will be eased to allow drones to fly beyond sight of the operator.

Spot will make a public debut on Wednesday next week at the SA Film Festival’s creative industries day at Tandanya.

Boston Dynamics was a spin out company from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology but is now owned by Hyundai.

Flinders University has also bought one of the robots to test programming possibilities. It mainly operates at Flinders’ campus at the Tonsley Innovation District.