Sensor system helps drones avoid power lines

Researcher David Hull developed the approach using a configuration of field and 3D sensors, in conjunction with low-power processing methods.

“Power lines are small and difficult to see with radar or optical sensors, but they generate large fields that can be easily detected with low-power, low-cost, passive electric- and magnetic-field sensors,” Hull said in a statement.

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Existing wire-detection and wire-avoidance technologies that use radar and/or optical sensors have had commercial success, but they are expensive, bulky, and power-intensive with technical limitations. The detection algorithm developed at ARL is expected to result in size, weight, power and cost reduction.

By combining both sensing modalities in one sensor, US Army researchers estimated the direction of power flow, which traditional sensors cannot do, Hull said.

“This technology has significant dual-use potential and is expected to offer the military a better means for ground and air-based vehicles to avoid electric power lines when moving,” he said. “It is also useful for mapping out power grids or locating damaged wires, after a hurricane, or as part of a nation-building effort. The same technology is beneficial to power companies that require routine and emergency inspect of many miles of power lines to detect tree encroachment, excessive sag and other issues.”