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Ira Wang
HK Electric has revolutionized the inspection process by deploying a remotely controlled robot called Intelligent Steward through a 5G network within the limited cable tunnel of the Cyberport exchange.
This cutting-edge technology has significantly increased testing frequency from once or twice a year to daily.
Andrew Yang Ker-wing, head of construction and maintenance for Hong Kong Electric’s power transmission and distribution division, said the robot eliminates the need for extensive preparatory work before each inspection, saving both time and manpower. said.
“Traditionally, HK Power would send a team of at least six people into the tunnel for inspection, with two people required to go inside while others remained outside as a safety measure,” he said. Stated.
However, with the introduction of advanced robots, this tedious process has become a thing of the past.
“The closed environment of tunnels poses a risk to human life, so gas detection and ventilation measures are essential to ensure the safety of staff,” Yang said. “By implementing robots, the company no longer requires human intervention, reducing potential hazards.”
The Intelligent Steward is equipped with six cameras and sensors, including an infrared camera, a high-definition camera, four standard-definition cameras, and a gas detector to take images and measure gas concentrations, humidity, and temperature inside the tunnel. Record.
The data is then sent to the office. The robot’s steady movement facilitated by its two wheels allows engineers to remotely control the robot’s position to further inspect specific cables within the 1-kilometre sloped tunnel.
To support seamless communication between staff inside and outside the tunnel, HK Electric collaborated with Hong Kong’s Hutchison Telecommunications to establish a 5G network inside the tunnel.
Previously, radio transceivers were used for communication due to the lack of fiber optic cables. Now, staff can easily connect with colleagues outside the tunnel using their mobile phones, while the robots continuously transmit data to the office without delay thanks to his robust 5G network.
This project has received a subsidy of HK$500,000 from the Government’s 5G Early Adopter Subsidy Scheme, demonstrating the importance and support for such innovative initiatives.
After a successful trial period of three to six months, HK Electric plans to extend its 5G network to all cable tunnels and further enhance the capabilities of its remotely controlled robots.
