Schools work to solve power safety challenge
More than 100 students from 13 metropolitan and regional public and private schools have been working to help solve a powerful safety challenge - to develop a robot able to safely operate in electricity substations.
We have partnered with VEX Robotics to offer awards to schools who can develop and build a robot that can:
- Navigate to and from a control arm in a (simulated) substation
- Operate the disconnect arm (supply and disconnect power)
- Use image recognition to identify any faults and to confirm successful operation
They’ll get to present their solutions in an event at the Adelaide Convention centre on 3 November.
Using robotics to innovate and improve safety
The competition is linked to the STEM program in schools, with participants being supported by experts from SA Power Networks and VEX Robotics.
We believe smart robotic technology could be used to reduce the risks inherent in working in substations where there are safety issues with switching that may pose a risk to our crews. While we have various safe work procedures to currently minimise this risk when undertaking manual switching in substations, the use of robots would help eliminate any risk to crews. We see the use of robots or drones as a major opportunity for innovation that can improve efficiency and safety.
Nicholas Eagle, National Sales Director of VEX Robotics said “It’s fantastic to see our partnership with SA Power Networks and the schools in South Australia continue to grow. The impact this has on the students and the growth of STEM is truly inspiring”.
Why a substation challenge?
SA Power Networks substations operate at up to 66,000 Volts. Substations are a crucial part of the electricity supply network, providing important voltage management and safety protection as well as network management system controls. Sometimes a particular abnormality with equipment can pose a threat to crews entering the site. Robots offer a potential solution to making a site safe prior to crews entering the substation.
2022 SA Power Networks VEX Robotics school robotics challenge
Location: The Adelaide Convention Centre
Date: Thursday, 3 November
Time: 9:30AM – 12:30PM
Awards on offer
Innovation award (first place): The team that creates a truly excellent and innovative robot – their design is well thoughout and perfectly executed.
Navigation award: The team that executes the navigation task most precisely and efficiently, with design decisions considered.
Arm Operation award: The team that operates the disconnect arm most effectively.
Recognition award: The team that has the most accurate image recognition and insightful analytics.
The winners will receive an additional VEX robotics kit and a visit from our robot dog Spot.