News
Remote Inspection of Power Networks with Uali and Shell Argentina
The maintenance of power networks in Argentina poses significant logistical and operational challenges. With thousands of kilometres of power lines, many of these networks cross areas that are difficult to access, where extreme weather conditions, invasive vegetation, and natural wear and tear on assets complicate inspection and repair tasks. In this context, UALI and Shell Argentina implemented an innovative solution based on drones and artificial intelligence to improve efficiency and reduce costs in the inspection of energy distribution networks.
The Challenge of Maintaining Power Networks Across Vast Terrains
Argentina's electricity system comprises a complex web of transmission lines, including high, medium, and low voltage infrastructure. However, maintaining these networks is hindered by several factors: the vast geographical expanse, ageing infrastructure, and the challenge of accessing remote, often impassable areas. Traditional inspection methods, reliant on ground crews, are costly, time-consuming. Also they pose risks to operators—especially in hard-to-reach locations or under adverse weather conditions.
To address these issues, UALI implemented a solution that combines cutting-edge drones with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, enabling faster, more accurate, and safer inspections of electrical networks. In partnership with Shell Argentina, this technology captures real-time imagery in both RGB and thermal formats, facilitating the detection of potential faults or threats to infrastructure such as overheating, structural damage, or excessive vegetation growth.
The combination of drones and AI allows for comprehensive inspections in a fraction of time that is required by conventional methods, significantly reducing the costs and improving the accuracy of fault detection.
Project Results
During the deployment of this remote inspection solution it has been delivered impressive result within a short period of time:
- 85 km covered in two weeks: Optimised inspections in over 85 km, outperforming traditional methods.
- 1,026 poles inspected: Detailed analysis of more than 1,000 critical points across the network.
- 33,500 images captured: Over 33,000 RGB and thermal images recorded for real-time detection.
- 16,228 detections (RGB and thermal): Our AI models identified over 16,000 conditions requiring optimisation, providing essential data for informed decision-making.
Impact on Operational Efficiency
The obtained outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the applied technology. By integrating drones and AI, Shell Argentina and UALI not only reduced inspection times but also increased the precision in identifying potential failures. This type of remote inspection enables a more preventative approach, minimising the risk of unexpected power outages and reducing the need for urgent, high-cost repairs.
Additionally, the solution optimises both human and material resources by allowing field crews to focus on genuinely critical areas, previously identified through drone image analysis.
Costs, Safety and Sustainability Benefits
One of the greatest advantages of this solution is the reduction in operational costs. Remote drone inspections significantly cut the time and expenses associated with using vehicles and heavy machinery, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. Moreover, by streamlining inspections and preventative maintenance, you can avoid costly emergency repairs that often lead to unexpected service disruptions.
In terms of safety, the use of drones reduces the exposure of workers to hazardous conditions, such as accessing remote locations, working at height, or operating during storms. With this technology, operators can focus on the strategic aspects of the process, ensuring a safer and more efficient working environment.
Furthermore, drone use contributes to a substantial reduction in carbon footprint. By eliminating the need for extensive travel by vehicles and crews, the environmental impact of inspection operations is greatly minimised.
Scalability and the Future of the Project
This remote inspection model is not only designed to meet the current needs of Shell Argentina and UALI, but is also highly scalable. The solution can be adapted for use in other regions or deployed across larger networks, offering the possibility to replicate the project nationally or even internationally.
"The collaboration with Shell Argentina is a clear example of how technological innovation can optimise complex processes, improve operational safety, and reduce costs—paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in the energy sector," says Ian Bogado, CEO of UALI.
At UALI, we support the energy transition by combining robotics, IoT, and AI to deliver valuable and timely information that enhances decision-making in asset care—saving time, reducing costs, and positively impacting the environment. Get to know us!
Ian Bogado
CEO
