Hydro-Québec's Power Line Robotics Program: 15 years of development, implementation and partnerships

This paper summarizes the work related to power line robotics over the past 15 years at Hydro-Quebec's research institute (IREQ). Robotic platforms are presented as well as the inspection and maintenance systems equipping them. The paper also presents a new organizational unit recently established at IREQ and called the “Power Line Robotics Program” (PLRP). This novel structure's objective is to leverage the benefits of external collaboration and international interest in power line robotics, in order to provide Hydro-Quebec with professional inspection services, manufacturing capacity and strategic funding for new developments. More recent activities related to non-destructive probes are also discussed. Examples of PLRP tasks and responsibilities are given, stating why this structure is relevant within a power utility and how it accelerates the use and benefit of robotics in the power industry.