The Question
The energy transition is a huge challenge for the Netherlands; the electricity grid needs to be expanded to continue meeting the growing demand for sustainable energy. This is a major undertaking, and we’re also facing a shortage of technicians to upgrade the network, as reinforcing neighborhoods with heavier cables is complex and physically demanding work, often with employees bending over ditches all day. How can we make this process more ergonomic, and thus more efficient?
Our Answer
Our research shows that the most tedious part of the cable replacement is the cutting and removal of the old cables. Our ‘RooiRobot’ design automates this part of the process, using remote cutting units and mechanical cable transport to efficiently remove the old infrastructure. We are currently testing first-phase prototypes.
“A smoother work process is key to delivering the grid expansion we need”
Partners and collaborators:
Enexis, Alliander, RoboHouse, TU Delft, Siers, aktief team