Manifold Robotics, a developer of Unmanned Aircraft System technology for the electric power utility industry, recently announce the launch of a new product development effort to be conducted in cooperation with the New York Power Authority.
This new project will focus on advancing Manifold’s sensor technology for use on fixed-wing drones, enabling more efficient inspection of power transmission facilities over large distances, the company said.
During an earlier project with NYPA, Manifold Robotics developed and tested a system that enables multirotor UASs to sense the electric and magnetic fields emitted from power transmission lines.
The collected information enables autonomous avoidance and tracking of power lines without the use of GPS waypoints.
This increases the safety and efficiency of utility UAS operations and can also help overcome regulatory constraints for beyond visual line of sight flight by demonstrating compliance with the requirements of infrastructure masking.
In 2023, Manifold Robotics was issued a Part 107 waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration to fly multirotor UASs equipped with the technology along NYPA’s transmission lines farther than normally permitted under current regulations.
“Advancing the system for use on fixed-wing UASs, which travel much greater distances than multirotors, and at higher speeds, is a natural next step in the development of the technology,” said Jeffrey Laut, CEO at Manifold Robotics. “Power utilities often have to fly UASs very long distances to meet their inspection needs, and our technology deployed on fixed-wing UASs would enable this in a safe and scalable way.”
NYPA maintains more than 1,550 circuit miles of transmission lines throughout New York State, illustrating the need for efficient inspections and innovative solutions for the utility industry.
“There is tremendous potential for power utilities like NYPA to benefit from the increased capabilities offered by fixed-wing UAS technology," said Justin Driscoll, President and CEO, at the New York Power Authority. “This next phase of collaboration between the New York Power Authority and Manifold Robotics reaffirms our commitment to advancing drone technology to safely and efficiently maintain NYPA’s energy infrastructure.”
The project is planned to culminate with a demonstration of the technology within NYPA’s transmission inspection program.
The system is based on technology developed by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory and licensed to Manifold Robotics.
Funding for this project is provided by NYPA and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority through its Electric Power Transmission and Distribution High Performing Grid Program, which makes investments in research and development that accelerate the realization of an advanced, digitally enhanced and dynamically managed electric grid.
