The utility industry is constantly evolving, and with that evolution comes new technologies that can help streamline processes and improve efficiency. One such technology is drone powerline inspection, which has the potential to revolutionize the way that utility companies inspect and maintain their infrastructure. The Skydio X2 is a state-of-the-art drone that is specifically designed for industrial use. It is equipped with a high-resolution camera that can capture detailed images of utility poles and distribution lines, as well as other critical infrastructure. The drone is also equipped with advanced sensors and software that allow it to navigate complex environments with ease. One of the key benefits of using drones for utility inspection is the ability to collect data quickly and accurately. In the past, utility companies relied on manual inspections, this meant sending someone up in a bucket truck to visually see the tops of the utility poles which could take weeks or even months to complete. With drone powerline inspection, the same inspections can be completed in a matter of days or even hours. Another benefit of using drones for utility inspection is the cost savings. Traditional inspection methods can be expensive, requiring specialized equipment and personnel. With drone technology, many of these costs can be eliminated, resulting in significant cost savings for utility companies. But perhaps the biggest benefit of using drones for utility inspection is the improved safety. Inspecting utility poles and distribution lines can be a dangerous job, requiring workers to climb or be elevated high above the ground. With drone technology, many of these inspections can be completed from the ground, eliminating the need for workers to put themselves in harm's way. The Firmatek team was able to leverage these benefits to complete an inspection of over 10,000 utility poles in just one week. By using Skydio X2 drones, they were able to collect detailed data on each pole, including its condition and any potential issues that needed to be addressed. This data was then used to develop a comprehensive maintenance plan that would help prevent outages and improve the reliability of the utility's infrastructure.

Here are some of the ways Dominion Energy is using the technology

In this webinar, DroneLife Editor Miriam McNabb, joins experts from The New York Power Authority (NYPA), ANRA Technologies, and leading drone manufacturer Skydio to discuss how the utility is integrating drones and advanced software solutions to inspect and monitor power generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure. This webinar explores how integrated drone and software technology can streamline workflow efficiency, minimize risks for front-line workers, and facilitate safe operations. NYPA shares how they can create a shared situational awareness across its enterprise, leading to faster response times, improved workflows for everyday operations and maintenance projects, and emergency response activities during weather events and other critical situations.

As more Docks continue to take flight, we’re pleased to invite you back for the first of many live Dock talks that give you another look at how innovation and use cases continue progressing from the field. In this talk, we’ll show you new Dock capabilities and features that power some awesome missions with leading utility organizations. In this live talk we dive into: - How Docks automatically inspect substation switches for pre- and post-switching operations. - How automated thermal missions can improve CAIDI/SAIDI scores by identifying issues before they cause major system issues or an outage. - How leading Utility organizations bring greater accountability, efficiency, and safety when inspecting lines in tough environments during severe wildfire season, and why Docks improve the Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) process. - What AI-driven inspections do to help avoid momentary outages and improve system reliability through routine inspection data captured throughout the year, helping utility organizations predict maintenance needs ahead of time and removing nuisance outages that impact MAIFI scores. - How Docks help deter attacks on substation infrastructure and provide critical surveillance and response in natural disaster situations. - How top utility organizations prepare to deploy Docks within their infrastructure — including organizational, regulatory, and financial requirements necessary to scale this reality.

The FAA granted waivers for Dominion Energy and New York Power Authority, enabling fully remote beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations using Skydio Dock with no flight crew on site

The new Skydio X2 Color features a single sensor, color-only gimbal with a ~80° HFOV wide-angle lens. This camera is ideal for detailed up-close inspections and other mapping applications, and is capable of capturing down to 0.65 mm ground sample distance (GSD). To operate in tough conditions, X2 Color offers a ruggedized airframe that is both light and highly durable, thanks to cutting-edge build quality with hyper-strength composites. The X2 platform offers a 14° to 109° F temperature operating range. With up to 35 minute flight time on a single battery, longer station time allows the inspector to operate more efficiently, completing more jobs in less time.

Skydio X2 is based on the same groundbreaking autonomous flight technology that powers Skydio 2, but implements it on a ruggedized vehicle that is ready to withstand more challenging environments and longer missions with up to 35 minute flight time. X2 is available in two configurations depending on the type of user for the platform: Skydio X2D is designed for defense and other federal agencies to perform reconnaissance, incident response, and security patrol missions. The Enterprise Controller provides ground control compatibility with the Skydio Enterprise App, or Skydio QGroundControl app if required. In terms of radio, the system is available on the 5 GHz band with a wireless range of 6 km, or the reserved 1.8 GHz band with a 10 km range. For its high level performance and security, in February, the U.S. Army selected the Skydio X2D SRR system for final integration in their Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) program. Skydio X2E is optimized for enterprises, first responders, and civilian agencies, is the ideal solution for situational awareness and inspection of infrastructure such as bridges, power plants, power stations and rail yards. X2E is controlled exclusively from the Skydio Enterprise App on the Enterprise Controller, and is available with a 5 GHz radio with 6 km wireless range.

Skydio Dock and Remote Ops makes it easy to capture data in the hardest places. Intelligent drones can now autonomously inspect facilities, job sites, and infrastructure — anywhere, anytime. Remotely operated drones will fundamentally change operations, reducing safety risks, costs, and time. By utilizing Skydio Dock, problems are identified quickly without arduous and dangerous inspections. Continuous monitoring, recurring inspection, scheduled patrol, and on-demand visibility are now available with a few clicks, without the need for a person on site.