Hokuriku Electric Power has begun a demonstration test to patrol a dusty environment at the Tsuruga Thermal Power Station. The company is using an autonomous quadrupedal robot to detect abnormalities with cameras and plans to add thermal sensors for temperature measurement, reducing operators' workload and improving safety.
Hokuriku Electric Power has begun a demonstration test of a quadrupedal robot for patrol inspections at a thermal power station. In an environment where dust is generated during the transport of woody biomass for co-firing, the robot autonomously walks around the equipment, taking photographs and checking for abnormalities.
The robot measures 109 cm in length, 45 cm in width and 64 cm in height. It uses infrared sensors to measure distance and determine its position, moving around obstacles. The demonstration test is being conducted at the Tsuruga Thermal Power Station.
The company will continue testing the robot's ability to walk along gently sloping passages and verifying data collection. Following the demonstration through next March, it aims for full-scale implementation. It is also exploring potential use at the Nanaota Thermal Power Station by testing co-firing with woody biomass.
Hokuriku Electric Power says that using robots to replace patrols during transport operations in dusty areas will improve operators' working environment, ensure equipment safety and contribute to a stable power supply.