EDP is developing a pioneering project in the field of electricity distribution in Torrelavega. Through Viesgo, the company's electricity distributor, it is carrying out tests with a robot that allows the status of installations and equipment to be known remotely and in real time. This is an innovative initiative that advances the digitalisation of the grid, while at the same time providing automated support in the operation and maintenance of its assets.

The robot is located at the Tanos substation in Torrelavega, and has been programmed with the collaboration of the Valencian company specialising in robots, Robotnik.

It has remote control and is equipped with geolocation systems and sensors to be able to carry out remote supervision of the equipment, both for verification of the manoeuvres and inspection in the event of possible incidents.

This technology provides better information in the event of any eventuality and thus foresees the magnitude and means necessary for an effective resolution.

The robot also periodically carries out thermographic analyses to detect hot spots in the outdoor wind farms. This preventive control makes it possible to schedule maintenance work if necessary.

The robot is modular, which allows it to be adapted and incorporate other devices to increase its functions or improve existing ones, such as more sophisticated thermographic cameras.

The recharging process, at 48 volts direct current, is activated directly when the robot is parked on its charging base. In the case of outdoor work with a low battery level, the robot would abort its activity to return to the station and connect for recharging.

The project has taken a year and a half to develop and is currently in testing. It has scheduled three daily thermographic inspection trips to coincide with peak load periods, in order to make the inspection as useful and realistic as possible.

The next steps of the project are to test and refine the technological aspects to ensure a solid operation and to define the next working procedures and the management of information and alarms. Another point to be studied in depth is the use of the remote control, as well as the proposal of possible improvements to optimise its efficiency and operation.

With this new technological implementation, the company's technicians have a support that facilitates their field work in the substations to be more efficient in the processes and, ultimately, improve the quality of service.