CLEVELAND, June 20,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- PLP and FulcrumAir have
partnered to develop and release the world's most advanced robotic
system for installing conductor spacers on overhead power lines.
The CSR-18™ robot is a revolutionary unmanned system that
automatically and precisely installs PLP's CUSHION-GRIP®
Twin Spacers on bundled conductors, helping to significantly reduce
safety concerns for lineworkers while also exponentially increasing
overall efficiency.
"Since our inception over 75 years ago, PLP has prided itself on
being an industry leader in every respect. This partnership with
FulcrumAir to develop the CSR-18™ robot further illustrates our
longstanding commitment to bring the best, most innovative products
to every market we serve," said Ryan Ruhlman, President of PLP. "Not only
will the robot improve efficiencies, but it will also greatly
improve the safety environment for utility workers around the
world. The roboticization of the utility market will continue to
expand throughout the next decade, and PLP is excited to lead the
way in the transformation."
The CSR-18™ accurately installs PLP's CUSHION-GRIP®
spacers at any pre-set distance to within a five-centimeter
tolerance. The spacers are positioned at precise right angles to
the conductor to ensure optimal performance, and the bolt is
torqued to the utility or PLP's exact specification. This sequence
happens automatically while also logging important quality control
data, such as torque values and spacer locations, enabling the
utility to easily reference it for future inspection and
maintenance needs.
For utilities who wish to increase productivity even more,
multiple robots can be placed on the phase conductors
simultaneously to rapidly install the required spacers on two
adjacent spans from one initial set-up location. Once complete, the
bucket truck or crane can move two structures down the line to
repeat the sequence, eliminating the need for spacer carts.
Successful field testing on a 240 kV system was recently
completed for industry partners and clients to showcase the safety,
efficiency, and capabilities of the CSR-18™ system for power line
construction projects.
"FulcrumAir is extremely excited about our partnership with PLP.
The CSR-18™ robot combines PLP's industry-leading product design
expertise with FulcrumAir's robotic development knowledge to
provide an extremely safe and reliable solution that will truly be
a gamechanger for utilities," said Patrick Arnell, President & CEO of
FulcrumAir. "After completing extensive laboratory testing and
field evaluation trials, we are proud to announce the CSR-18™ robot
is officially entering worldwide commercial service."
ABOUT PLP
PLP protects the world's most critical connections by creating
stronger and more reliable networks. The company's
precision-engineered solutions are trusted by energy and
communications providers worldwide to perform better and last
longer. With locations in over 20 countries, PLP works as a united
global corporation, delivering high-quality products and
unparalleled service to customers around the world.
ABOUT FULCRUMAIR
Founded in 2016 and having invested over 40,000 hours into
design and engineering to date, FulcrumAir is a leader in
developing robotic solutions for the powerline industry.
FulcrumAir's portfolio of UAVs and aerial robotics are specifically
designed to address critical challenges facing electric utilities.
FulcrumAir is "The Line Contractor of the Future."
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SOURCE Preformed Line Products