Rosseti began to use UAVs to install measuring instruments on live wires

2025: Rosseti began using UAVs to install measuring instruments on live wires

The Rosseti Group of Companies has successfully completed tests of a robotic system for servicing power lines using unmanned aerial vehicles. The new technology allows measuring equipment to be installed on live wires without cutting off power to consumers. This became known on June 10, 2025.

According to the press service of Rosseti, the tests were carried out at the landfill of the Intellectual Laboratory of Digital Networks by specialists from the scientific and technical center of the group of companies. The system is designed to install short-circuit indicators that provide prompt detection of accidents on power lines.

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Фото: Rosseti

The key element of the development was unmanned aerial vehicles that install measuring instruments directly on live wires. The technology eliminates the need to cut off power for the duration of the work, which significantly reduces the period of repair measures.

The installed short-circuit indicators are designed to quickly detect emergencies on power lines. In the future, these devices can be used to control the balance of power transmission, which will expand the functionality of the monitoring system.

The introduction of a robotic system is planned in the networks of Rosseti Lenenergo. The technology improves the reliability of power supply by continuously monitoring the state of the power grid equipment without interrupting the supply of electricity to consumers.

The Rosseti Group is actively developing the direction of robotic technologies for servicing energy facilities. Unmanned complexes are already being used to control the construction of new facilities and assess the technical condition of the routes of power lines.^[1]

2021: Rosseti begins using drones to monitor power lines

In early February 2021, it became known about the beginning of the use of drones by Rosseti for monitoring power lines (power lines). The contract was concluded with the Vega concern.

As told To sheets"" in "Rosseti," operation unmanned aerial vehicles will begin from the Lipetsk region., Equipment Including a multicopter, multifunctional charging stations and (software developed by the concern ""), Automatic equipment purchased the company "Rosseti Center."

She expects that monitoring from a drone will allow collecting and analyzing data on the state of networks and reducing the accident rate of power lines. If defects are detected, the system will automatically transfer data to the Rosseti ERP system, the Automatics explained to the publication. The software conducts 3D modeling of the terrain based on the images received from the drone, analyzes the geometry of overhead lines and detects defects using machine vision algorithms.

Rosseti starts using drones to monitor power lines

During operation, the drone follows a given route and independently determines the necessary angles for photo and video shooting. The UAV is equipped with an accurate landing system on charging stations, with a deviation of no more than a few centimeters. The developers also managed to solve the problem of electromagnetic compatibility: a strong electromagnetic background on the power grids does not negatively affect the drone navigation system.

According to the head of the Vega concern Vyacheslav Mikheev, such a technology can be used not only in the electric power industry, but also in other industries where constant monitoring of long communications is needed. The software is integrated into the existing information systems of enterprises and allows you to detect threats at an early stage, as well as give forecasts on the technical state of objects, he said.^[2]

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