Are Autonomous Mobile Robots Useful for Utilities?

Autonomous mobile robots – like automated guided vehicles (AGVs) – have been around for decades despite their limitations.  In fact, the market for autonomous mobile robots is estimated at $5 million, so they are clearly being utilized in a variety of situations.  But could they be useful for utilities?

The Ins and Outs of Autonomous Mobile Robots

Today, the technology is relatively common in warehouses and factories.  Mobile robots have historically relied upon predetermined mapped routes within stable environments, but the technology has improved in recent years. Now these devices are capable of operating in less stable environments by utilizing sensors, GPS, laser scanners, 3D cameras, artificial intelligence, and similar navigational tools. 

Thanks to these advancements, it is a fair question to ask if there are potential use cases in the utility space, especially tasks around damage assessment (i.e., deploying the devices to take photos and otherwise document damaged assets and equipment).  These tools could also theoretically be used for non-emergency inspections and perhaps even minor repairs and maintenance.

The biggest questions around the technology relate to their ability to stay charged, their ability to perform tasks beyond the most basic ones, and the accuracy and efficiency of their navigation systems.  

The challenge around self-charging is probably the easiest to correct thanks to advances in photo cell and battery technology.  However, the other 2 challenges seem more difficult to overcome, especially the navigation issue, as damage assessment is often performed in areas plagued by downed trees, road debris, and even flooding.  And developing mobile robots that have the technology needed to overcome these challenges is likely to make them cost prohibitive.  For these reasons, drones currently seem like a better fit for utility restoration efforts. 

Perhaps at some point in the future, autonomous mobile robots will be useful for utility companies, but that day has not yet come.