Aquiline Drones (AD) signs historic licensing agreement with long-time partner Drone Volt SA (ALDRV) to introduce and provide electrical power line inspection services in the United States using the LineDrone – a unique combination of advanced and pioneering technology.
AD, a leading U.S.-based drone technology enterprise, has announced a strategic partnership with Drone Volt to introduce and expand the capabilities of the LineDrone to the US market. Dubbed an engineering marvel, the LineDrone is a specialized unmanned aerial system (UAS) developed in collaboration with Hydro-Québec – Canada’s largest energy producer. This groundbreaking technology is designed to revolutionize the inspection and maintenance of high- voltage power lines, by offering advanced, non-contact measurement solutions.
Hydro-Québec is renowned not only for its extensive hydroelectric power generation but also for its significant investments in research and development, particularly in robotics for power line inspection and maintenance. The company’s research is primarily conducted through its Institute de recherche d’Hydro-Québec (IREQ), established in 1967.
Using artificial intelligence (AI) to control the drones and analyze acquired data – along with other pioneering technologies, Aquiline Drones will introduce and deploy LineDrone inspection services nationwide.
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The LineDrone is the only drone – globally, capable of landing on live high-voltage lines (315,000 volts / 2,000 A) to conduct inspections by traversing the power lines using a unique motorized rolling system – LineOhm and LineCore probes, to analyze and document the condition of overhead conductors without having to de-energize the line. The LineDrone is also engineered to perform critical diagnostics on live transmission lines using state-of-the-art sensors to conduct high-precision inspections, including resistance measurements, corrosion assessments, and splice evaluations, without requiring power outages. This innovation significantly reduces operational risks while enhancing grid reliability and efficiency.
By reducing the need for costly helicopter and high-risk manual inspections, the LineDrone represents a safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative for the energy industry. With increasing demand for efficient grid management solutions, this collaborative effort aims to redefine how utility companies monitor and maintain their critical infrastructure.
Aquiline Drones will leverage its extensive expertise in autonomous drone operations and regulatory compliance to help deploy the LineDrone technology for utility companies and infrastructure service providers throughout the US.
“Our collaboration with Drone Volt aligns perfectly with our mission to deliver cutting-edge drone solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability,” said Barry Alexander, Founder and CEO of Aquiline Drones. “By incorporating advanced AI and cloud technology into the LineDrone system, we aim to set a new industry standard for high-voltage power line inspections” Alexander says.
Source: PRweb