This week we have 2 BSI updates for your comments. Please be advised that a New Work Item Proposal has been loaded to the BSI Standards Development Portal for comment.
Any comments received will be submitted to the national committee “AMT/10 – Robotics” for consideration when deciding the UK response to the associated Standards Development Organisation.
- Proposal: PNW 129-55 ED1: – Robotics for electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems — Wheeled, tracked or legged robots — Part 3‑21: Overhead transmission line inspection robot — General requirements
Comment period end date:05/12/2025
Scope
This standard sets out the general requirements, performance criteria, and testing methods for robotic inspection systems operating along the ground wire of overhead transmission lines rated 110 kV (66 kV) and above. It covers system composition, classification, testing, marking, packaging, transport, and storage, but excludes ground-based robots, UAV systems, and other non-contact inspection technologies.
Purpose
As power grids expand and become more intelligent, traditional manual inspections and aerial methods face limitations in efficiency, safety, continuity, and cost. Robotic inspection systems offer autonomous, precise, all-weather monitoring and intelligent data analysis, making them key to modern grid operations. However, the lack of unified standards hinders interoperability, reliability, and adoption.
This standard addresses these gaps by defining common requirements, testing methods, and acceptance criteria, enabling data compatibility, improving reliability and safety, reducing costs and risks, and supporting the digital and intelligent evolution of power grids.
2. Proposal: PNW 129-56 ED1: – Robotics for electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems — Wheeled, tracked or legged robots — Part 3‑31: Land cable tunnel inspection robot — General requirements
Comment period end date:05/12/2025
Scope
This standard defines the general technical requirements for legged robot systems used in cable tunnel environments, including GPS-shielded and confined spaces. It covers system composition and key functional performance aspects such as movement, inspection, navigation, communication, power supply, electromagnetic compatibility, and environmental adaptability.
Purpose
Robotic inspection is transforming cable tunnel operations by improving safety, enabling continuous monitoring, and reducing costs compared to manual inspections. Legged robots, with their superior mobility, are particularly suited to these complex environments. However, no international standard currently specifies technical requirements for such robots, leading to inconsistent performance across available solutions.
This standard fill that gap by establishing unified requirements for design, production, and performance, supporting the wider adoption and advancement of robotic inspection technology. It will help improve robot quality, enhance grid reliability, and guide future development. Two complementary parts—testing methods and application guidelines—are also planned as part of this series.
If you have any comment or need more information, please contact Sami Ortiz at [email protected]