Robotics applied to work conditions improvement in power distribution lines maintenance

Based on the analysis of the tasks concerning maintenance of power distribution networks from the Ergonomics point of view, Paulista Power & Light Company (CPFL, Brazil) and the University of Sao Paulo (USP, Brazil) started a project focused on the application of Mechatronics and Robotics techniques and knowledge to improve the maintenance activity, also establishing a roadmap of developments to be conducted. As a pioneer research & development on that, four devices are proposed and described herein: (a) A computer-controlled automatic elevator attached to a pickup type lightweight vehicle that helps electricians to reach high positions replacing the conventional ladder; (b) A flexible telescopic robot for inspecting the wood cross arm from the ground; (c) A weight balancer to help electricians to execute tree trimming around distribution lines, by reducing the physical effort required for holding and manipulating the trimming equipment; (d) And a mechatronics version of the weight balancer able to automatically adapt to different loads.