Aerial robotics, the result of integrating robotics with unmanned aerial vehicles, has demonstrated substantial potential for advancing the inspection and maintenance of industrial facilities and infrastructures. In particular, the domain of electrical networks is seeing a rapid transformation in how inspection and maintenance tasks are approached and executed through airborne systems.
Benefits of aerial robotics in inspection and maintenance
Airborne robots not only capture high resolution imagery and collect critical data for inspection, but they can also engage in inspection tasks that require physical contact and precise manipulation for maintenance work. These capabilities are the outcome of ongoing research in Aerial Manipulation Robotics, developed in collaboration with the Aerospace Technology Center at the Robotics Laboratory of the University of Seville. These institutions are recognized leaders in unmanned aerial vehicles and aerial robotics research and development on an international scale.
Compared with traditional methods, aerial robots offer clear advantages. They enable audits to be completed faster, more frequently, and at lower cost, which in turn improves both the quality and reliability of inspections and maintenance. This directly influences safety and environmental outcomes by helping prevent leaks and other incidents at electricity generation facilities. Additionally, aerial robotics minimizes the risk of fatal accidents by providing a safer alternative to work at height.
AERIAL-CORE Project: Innovation in Aerial Robotics
In the field of robotics and artificial intelligence, the European AERIAL-CORE project has advanced technologies for controlling and maintaining large infrastructures, with a particular emphasis on electrical energy distribution networks. Coordinated by the University of Seville, the project brings together 15 partners from 10 European nations, including Endesa networks through its e-distribution subsidiary as the validating partner for developed technologies.
The AERIAL-CORE consortium has driven pioneering advancements in aerial robotics through the application of artificial intelligence techniques. These technologies are organized into three core functionality areas:
Benefits of aerial robotics in inspection and maintenance
The electrical power distribution network represents a significant area for the application of aerial robotics and artificial intelligence. The technologies developed within the AERIAL-CORE program have been validated through its subsidiary e-distribution lines and Endesa networks. These innovations enable detailed inspection and maintenance of power lines, enhancing the safety and efficiency of operations.
Additionally, the RESISTO project, led by e-distribution in the Doñana region, demonstrates the use of aerial robots in strengthening the resilience of electricity networks against extreme weather through the combination of weather monitoring, artificial intelligence, and advanced robotics. This collaboration shows how smart automation can adapt to climate challenges while maintaining reliable service.
Across the consortium, 15 partners from nine countries contributed to the AERIAL-CORE effort, directed by Aníbal Ollero, head of the Robotics Laboratory at the University of Seville. Participants include eight European universities, two technology centers, and several innovative companies that helped validate and deploy these advanced capabilities in real-world settings. These collaborations exemplify how academia, industry, and energy providers align to push the boundaries of aerial robotics for critical infrastructure.