A proudly South African robot that crawls along live power lines is helping Eskom spot trouble before it becomes a blackout, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The Powerline Inspection Robot began as a University of KwaZulu-Natal master’s project and has since been commercialised through UKZN’s InQubate programme.
According to MyBroadband, Eskom and the KwaZulu-Natal Government backed development through research and technology funds. The machine is now patented in South Africa and the United States, giving the technology international protection as it moves towards wider use.
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The robot moves along live conductors on small wheels, and uses cameras, infrared and ultraviolet imaging, and machine vision to inspect line hardware.
The technology enables the robot to climb past towers, operate in strong winds and heavy rain, and geo-tag inspection images so that engineers can track deterioration over time.
Our research and development is conducted by the Eskom Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) – investing largely in examining emerging technologies and innovation to ensure that Eskom remains both competitive and sustainable. 💡
One of our… pic.twitter.com/22WrAb7eNG
— Eskom Hld SOC Ltd (@Eskom_SA) November 3, 2025
Those features reduce reliance on costly helicopter surveys and hazardous ground patrols.
Trevor Lorimer, who led the project and now runs Power Line Robotics, said the technology lets operators find faults earlier and respond faster. ‘Eskom handles many faults every year. These cause power dips that affect homes and businesses,’ he said.
The company says the design could eventually allow robots to remain on lines for continuous monitoring.
The work has attracted international interest, including from Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company. UKZN and Eskom are exploring commercial trials and further development agreements. Industry partners say local ingenuity, combined with practical field trials, could help make grids safer and more reliable.
For communities and engineers, the robot offers a plain promise: fewer faults, fewer risky inspections and a smarter way to keep the lights on.
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Picture: @Eskom_SA / X
