Drones can stop birds causing safety problems for workers on overhead power lines.

A partnership between Ohio-based PLP and Canadian firm FulcrumAir has launched an automated robotic system for installing helically-shaped bird diverters on overhead power lines.

The Mini LineFly is an unmanned system that automatically and precisely installs PLP’s bird-flight diverters on overhead lines, helping reduce safety concerns for line workers while increasing project efficiency.

“We are excited to collaborate with FulcrumAir to launch this newest addition to our expanding line of robotic installations,”said Ryan Ruhlman, president of PLP. “The Mini LineFly not only offers the most efficient method for installing bird diverters but, more significantly, contributes to enhancing the safety environment for utility workers around the world.”

The Mini LineFly places bird-flight diverters at predetermined intervals, increasing the performance to help safeguard wildlife from accidental contact with power lines. This wildlife protection device reduces the probability of unintended bird collisions by enhancing line visibility, helping protect diverse avian species and mitigate potential costly and problematic power outages.

The first implementation of robotically installed diverters took place during the recent High Banks Wind Project in Kansas. Nearly 15,000 bird diverters were installed using robotics along the 120km 345kV transmission line spanning Marshall, Republic and Washington counties. The project delivers approximately 600MW of dependable renewable energy to customers in the American Midwest.

“We are extremely pleased with how the Mini LineFly performed during this demanding project,” said Patrick Arnell, CEO of FulcrumAir. “Our mission is to develop and operate equipment that assists electric utilities with the industry’s ongoing challenges, including staffing shortages, the increased need for safer work sites, and overall project efficiency requirements.”

Alongside the Mini LineFly, PLP and FulcrumAir also recently introduced the CSR-18 robotic installer designed for PLP’s cushion-grip twin spacers.

With locations in over 20 countries, PLP (www.plp.com) delivers products and service to customers around the world.

Founded in 2016 and having invested over 60,000 hours into design and engineering to date, FulcrumAir (fulcrumair.com) is developing robotics for the powerline industry.