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Application of robotics to distribution systems

Abstract

Robotic technology has been recognized as having potential application in lifeline maintenance and repair. A study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of utilizing robotics for this purpose, and to prepare a general design of appropriate equipment. Four lifeline tasks were selected as representative of the majority of work. Based on a detailed task decomposition, subtasks were rated on amenability to robot completion. All tasks are feasible, but in some cases special tooling is required. Based on today's robotics, it is concluded that a force reflecting master/slave telemanipulator, augmented by automatic robot tasks under a supervisory control system, provides the optimal approach. No commercially available products are currently adequate for lifeline work. A general design of the telemanipulator, which has been named the SKYARM has been developed, addressing all subsystems such as the manipulator, video, control power and insulation. The baseline system is attainable using today's technology. Improved performance and lower cost will be achieved through developments in artificial intelligence, machine vision, supervisory control and dielectrics. Immediate benefits to utilities include increased safety, better service and savings on a subset of maintenance tasks. In 3-5 years, the SKYARM will prove cost effective as a general purpose lifeline tool. 7 refs.,  More>>
Authors:
Publication Date:
Jun 01, 1986
Product Type:
Technical Report
Report Number:
CEA-190D392; CE-03377
Reference Number:
CANM-91-007779; EDB-91-051121
Subject:
24 POWER TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION; POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS; ROBOTS; DESIGN; FEASIBILITY STUDIES; ELECTRIC UTILITIES; MAINTENANCE; MANIPULATORS; REMOTE HANDLING; REPAIR; EQUIPMENT; LABORATORY EQUIPMENT; MATERIALS HANDLING EQUIPMENT; PUBLIC UTILITIES; REMOTE HANDLING EQUIPMENT; 240300* - Power Transmission Lines & Cables- (1990-); 240400 - Power Transmission & Distribution- Health & Safety- (1990-)
OSTI ID:
5954194
Research Organizations:
Robotics Systems International Ltd. (RSI), Sidney, BC (Canada); British Columbia Hydro and Power Authority, Surrey, BC (Canada)
Country of Origin:
Canada
Language:
English
Availability:
Canadian Electrical Association, One Westmount Square, Suite 500, Montreal, PQ, CAN H3Z 2P9.
Submitting Site:
CANM
Size:
Pages: (129 p)
Announcement Date:
May 13, 2001

Citation Formats

Ramsbottom, W. Application of robotics to distribution systems. Canada: N. p., 1986. Web.
Ramsbottom, W. Application of robotics to distribution systems. Canada.
Ramsbottom, W. 1986. "Application of robotics to distribution systems." Canada.
@misc{etde_5954194,
title = {Application of robotics to distribution systems}
author = {Ramsbottom, W}
abstractNote = {Robotic technology has been recognized as having potential application in lifeline maintenance and repair. A study was conducted to investigate the feasibility of utilizing robotics for this purpose, and to prepare a general design of appropriate equipment. Four lifeline tasks were selected as representative of the majority of work. Based on a detailed task decomposition, subtasks were rated on amenability to robot completion. All tasks are feasible, but in some cases special tooling is required. Based on today's robotics, it is concluded that a force reflecting master/slave telemanipulator, augmented by automatic robot tasks under a supervisory control system, provides the optimal approach. No commercially available products are currently adequate for lifeline work. A general design of the telemanipulator, which has been named the SKYARM has been developed, addressing all subsystems such as the manipulator, video, control power and insulation. The baseline system is attainable using today's technology. Improved performance and lower cost will be achieved through developments in artificial intelligence, machine vision, supervisory control and dielectrics. Immediate benefits to utilities include increased safety, better service and savings on a subset of maintenance tasks. In 3-5 years, the SKYARM will prove cost effective as a general purpose lifeline tool. 7 refs., 26 figs., 3 tabs.}
place = {Canada}
year = {1986}
month = {Jun}
}