RovEx is a rugged outdoor exploration robot designed for inspection tasks in electrical substations. Built for Iberdrola, the largest electric utility company in Spain, RovEx provides operators with a reliable first person view of critical infrastructure while keeping humans safely out of high risk environments. Equipped with ultra low latency video transmission on 1.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz, the platform delivers precise visual feedback even across large, interference heavy sites. Its robust mechanical design allows RovEx to operate on sand, gravel, mud, and uneven terrain, continuing inspections despite harsh weather conditions.
How it works
RovEx combines autonomous navigation with guided movement to deliver repeatable and trustworthy inspection results. The robot can navigate autonomously using GPS and a vision based navigation system to move between predefined points in the substation. To ensure predictable routes and consistent data capture, RovEx also follows painted or marked ground paths using an optical path following system. This hybrid approach balances flexibility with repeatability, allowing operators to compare inspection data over time while still adapting to complex outdoor environments.
Features
RovEx was engineered with reliability and operator safety as first class goals.
- Ultra low latency first person video transmission on 1.2 GHz and 5.8 GHz
- Rugged chassis designed for sand, gravel, mud, and uneven outdoor terrain
- Autonomous navigation using GPS and vision systems
- Optical path following for consistent and repeatable inspection routes
- Remote operation capabilities for hazardous environments
- Designed for continuous operation under adverse weather conditions
Use Cases
RovEx is deployed in electrical substations to perform routine and on demand inspections without exposing personnel to danger.
- Visual inspection of transformers, switchgear, and auxiliary systems
- Monitoring infrastructure conditions over time using repeatable routes
- Post event inspections after storms or abnormal operating conditions
- Remote assessment of hard to reach or restricted areas
- Supporting maintenance teams with real time visual data
Get in touch
RovEx is one example of how robotics can turn hazardous tasks into safe, repeatable, and data driven operations. That principle is at the core of why I work in robotics. If you’re interested in using robotic systems to improve efficiency, increase safety, or reduce risk in your operations, feel free to reach out and start the conversation.
