in Barcelona
3 to 5 Nov 2026National Grid has begun deploying autonomous drones from data solutions provider sees.ai for electricity infrastructure inspections, in what it describes as the first centralised beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) aerial inspection system worldwide.
The rollout follows a four-year innovation programme and marks the move from research to operational use. Controlled from a central hub, the drones capture images and data of high-voltage pylons, cables and other assets across England and Wales, supporting maintenance and investment planning.
By automating inspections, the system aims to boost efficiency, safety and environmental performance, while allowing line workers and helicopters to focus on more complex tasks. The initiative forms part of National Grid’s wider digitalisation strategy to modernise its 7,200 km transmission network, 300 substations and 22,000 pylons, supporting the UK’s clean energy transition.
