Chinese robotics firm Deep Robotics, in partnership with Singaporean electrical equipment supplier Eastern Green Power, has recently delivered an advanced power tunnel inspection solution to Singapore Power Group (SP Group). The solution features Deep Robotics’ self-developed X30 quadruped robot and cutting-edge digital technologies.
The first Chinese-developed robot dog deployed in an overseas power system, the X30 was named SPock by SP Group for its role in the inspection solution.
Why this matters: The integration of the X30 quadruped robot into Singapore’s power system demonstrates robotic innovation in industrial applications and sets a new standard for infrastructure inspection.
Details: Routine inspections are essential for ensuring the proper operation of power tunnels. Equipped with video and thermal imaging devices, the robotic dog can navigate utility corridors, detect defects in real-time, and document them, according to Deep Robotics.
- Deric Tang, technical manager at SP Group and part of its tunnel maintenance team, previously had to walk up to six kilometers a time to inspect cables, instruments, and other equipment — a task that took around two or three hours. The 48-year-old described the work as time-consuming, exhausting, and prone to human error. The introduction of robotic dogs is expected to improve tunnel maintenance and ensure network reliability, Tang said.
- SP Group estimates that SPock’s efficiency in underground utility corridor inspections will save 480 hours of manual inspection time annually. SP Group plans to expand SPock’s deployment to cut safety risks and optimize task processes.
- The time saved can be allocated to more valuable tasks, such as maintenance data analysis, according to Tang. In case of an emergency within the tunnel, SPock can act as a first responder, assessing the situation and providing real-time updates without requiring personnel to enter.
- “There are differences between power utility tunnels in Singapore and China,” said Hank Cheng, senior sales manager of Deep Robotics, in an interview. Due to varying cable placements and inspection tasks, the robotic dog’s sensors, recognition algorithms, and inspection logic have been customized for each scenario, Cheng explained.
- The project took three to four months to be ready for on-site deployment, including extensive safety assessments, Cheng added. The team explored various ways to optimize the inspection logic, implementing engineering solutions to assist the robot’s positioning within the tunnel.
Context: Deep Robotics launched the X30 robot on October 10, 2023. Designed to meet key demands in power stations, factories, utility corridor inspections, emergency rescue, and fire scene inspection, the X30 features a top speed of 4 m/s, a maximum climbing angle of 45°, and the ability to overcome obstacles at least 20 cm high.
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