PG&E Should Try This ALPS Drone For Fully Automated Power Grid Inspections

ALPS, known for its in-car electronics components has put together a Done system that can autonomously inspect powerline infrastructure. The drone has highly precise and sensitive sensors, including a Lidar, which is a laser-based radar that provides 3D awareness of what's around the drone. As an upgrade, ALPS is working on adapting an RF (radio-frequency) positioning system that has a 30cm (11-inch) precision instead of the normal 16 feet precision of civilian GPS systems. Power companies like PG&E have tested drone inspections since 2016, and it would typically be used for difficult terrain where it is dangerous and time-consuming (expensive) for human personnel to go. An inspection requires a drone pilot and a supporting team.