Hydro-Québec Moves Forward in the Development of a Semiautonomous Drone for Power Line Inspection

Hydro-Québec

November 9, 2017

Hydro-Québec’s research institute IREQ continues to make progress with its LineDrone project. The drone can now land semiautonomously thanks to the addition of a new onboard vision system.

The vision system enables the drone to recognize power lines. This innovation provides invaluable support to the operator by ensuring safe deployment of the drone on power lines. In semiautonomous mode, the drone automatically aligns with the conductor, which means the pilot no longer has to stand directly beneath the power line to do so. This mode facilitates high-altitude landings, when operators lack the visual precision to line up the drone.

This major advance is an important first step towards a fully independent system.

Not only can the LineDrone land on and travel along a transmission line, it can also be equipped with tools and sensors to inspect power lines and spot corrosion.

IREQ is developing high-performance drones to inspect and maintain power lines.

Next step: equipping a drone that can operate on live lines with a brand-new measuring instrument!

Questions? Interested in participating in the development of this project?

http://news.hydroquebec.com/en/news/191/hydro-quebec-takes-a-major-step-forward-in-the-development-of-a-semiautonomous-drone-for-the-inspection-of-power-transmission-lines/

Related Articles


Latest Articles


Changing Scene

  • Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    Mac’s II Agencies Announce Addition to Project & Specification Sales Team

    July 10, 2025 Mac’s II Agencies is pleased to announce that Drazen Jerkovic will be joining their Project & Specification Sales team in the Lighting Division later this fall. With over 25 years of experience in the lighting and electrical industry, Drazen is a highly respected consultant known for his technical knowledge and deep understanding of project delivery…. Read More…

  • Intralec Named New Sales Agency Partner for IDEAL Electrical in Central & Southwestern Ontario

    Intralec Named New Sales Agency Partner for IDEAL Electrical in Central & Southwestern Ontario

    July 7, 2025 Intralec Electrical Products is proud to announce our new partnership with IDEAL Electrical as their sales agency for the Central & Southwestern Ontario regions. As a Canadian manufacturer with over 60 years of experience producing quality products—many of which, like the Can-Twist wire connector and Yellow 77 lubricant, are made in Ajax,… Read More…

  • City of Winnipeg Continues to Improve Online Permits System

    City of Winnipeg Continues to Improve Online Permits System

    July 4, 2025 The City of Winnipeg has launched an improved Permits Online web portal. This upgrade aims to make the permit process more convenient for customers. Permits Online is a one-stop shop to manage the permit process. Now, the web portal is easier to use because customers can navigate it using their mobile device. The portal… Read More…

  • Schneider Electric Launches Chapter 3 of Sustainability School

    Schneider Electric Launches Chapter 3 of Sustainability School

    July 4, 2025 Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has launched Chapter 3 of its online Sustainability School, a free training program designed to empower its channel ecosystem partners to become leaders in sustainability. This chapter will focus on teaching businesses how to decarbonize and unlock the competitive… Read More…