Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay

Today, many routine checks in power plants and substations are becoming automated, but humans still do the tricky work. For example, companies like Gecko Robotics are using crawling robots (with AI software) to scan generators and breakers for damage, speeding up inspections that used to be done by people ^[1]. Drones are also used: UAVs with thermal or LiDAR sensors can fly near power lines or transformers to spot faults (hot spots, leaks or cracks) from a distance ^[2].

AI systems can then analyze sensor data to predict equipment failures – one report describes sensors and AI models that warn when a transformer might break down ^[3]. Even planning tasks see help from AI. Atomic Canyon’s AI software at a California power plant can search old manuals and help schedule complex maintenance work ^[3].

All these tools handle data-heavy parts of the job. But the hands-on tasks – opening switches, replacing regulators, fixing wiring – remain mostly manual. Experts emphasize these technologies assist human technicians rather than replace them ^{[2] [3]}.

In fact, firms like Google are investing in electrician training to ensure there are skilled people to do the work ^[3].

Utilities weigh costs, benefits and safety when adding AI. New robots and AI tools can reduce costs from outages and injuries: drones lower injury-related costs and help prevent expensive failures ^{[2] [3]}. But these systems are costly and complex.

For example, an inspection robot deal for power plants ran about \$100 million ^[1]. Utilities must also meet strict safety and reliability rules, so they move carefully. Right now there are some ready-made AI products (like “Grid Intelligence” software that monitors lines for failures ^[3]), but many companies build specialized systems.

Meanwhile, there is a shortage of trained electricians, so firms may focus on hiring and training people instead of fully replacing them ^[3]. Overall, AI is being added gradually. It’s already used for monitoring equipment and analyzing tests, but skilled human repairers still handle the complicated fixes.