HiBot Expliner

HiBot (Japan) · 2010

UnannouncedIndustrial robot built for utility customers; price never published.
Discontinued · unavailableNot programmablePower-line crawlerLive 500 kV linesCounterweight armDiscontinued
UnavailableShipping: Discontinued. Discontinued industrial system; it was never sold at retail.
Remote control: Not possible. Teleoperated through HiBot's own control station.

Overview

A line-crawling robot for inspecting live high-voltage transmission lines up to 500 kV, so lines do not need to be switched off for crews. It shifts its counterweight arm to balance while crossing spacers and suspension clamps, imaging the cables in 360°. Trialled on lines in Japan; now listed as discontinued.

Specifications

CategoryCrawlers, snakes & climbers · Climbers & inspection crawlers
Released2010
AvailabilityDiscontinued · unavailable
ProgrammabilityNo programmability
Best forProfessionals & labs
Vision sensorsCamera
ActuatorsUnknown
AudioNo audio
Compute typeArduino / ESP32 / microcontroller
Remote controlNot programmable
Size150 × 130 × 150 cm, 95 kg
LocomotionRolls along a pair of transmission-line conductors on driven pulleys; a robotic arm shifts its counterweight to pass spacers and clamps
Compute10 SH-2 32-bit microcontrollers, one ARM M4 board, 8-channel video capture with SSD
CameraArrays of CCD cameras with mirrors for 360° cable views, HD camera, infrared camera
SensorsProximity sensors, gyro, accelerometer, lasers
Runtime12 V 40 Ah lead-acid batteries, ~8 h
Speed1.68 km/h
SDKNone public

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