Background
UAS VOSS is a Norwegian drone operator focused on providing comprehensive smart grid inspection services to the energy sector. Their mission is to deliver high-quality, scalable solutions that improve the efficiency and reliability of power grid operations. In pursuit of this, UAS VOSS sought a technology partner capable of providing AI-enhanced grid analytics and turning inspection data into actionable insights for utility decision-makers.
UAS VOSS field operations: drone ready for inspection in remote terrain
Challenges in Smart Grid Inspection
Before partnering with Hepta Insights, UAS VOSS was operating without a fully integrated software solution. They tested several platforms but struggled to find one that could meet both their internal operational needs and the usability expectations of their utility clients. The key challenge was identifying a system that could support efficient, high-volume smart grid inspections while also translating raw data into meaningful insights for grid operators, without requiring extensive manual processing or other tools.
Goals and expectations
UAS VOSS set out to build a scalable inspection offering targeted at small and mid-sized utilities across southern and western Norway. Their expectations included finding a solution that was:
- Easy-to-use user interface for power grid operators
- Scalable and customizable for different project scopes
- Technically robust, with a clear roadmap for integration of future capabilities
- Backed by a team willing to co-invest in market growth
Why Hepta Insights
Hepta Insights was selected based on its unmatched combination of technical depth and practical deployment model. Unlike many platforms that rely on costly LiDAR or satellite-only systems, Hepta delivers high-impact analysis using advanced RGB-based AI analysis, while also allowing seamless integration of additional data sources like LiDAR, infrared, or satellite when needed. For UAS VOSS, the software’s modularity, intuitive interface, and strong customer support made Hepta the best fit.
UAS VOSS analysis in Hepta Insights. The loose insulator (severity five defect) needs immediate attention. Read about severity levels in our blog post.
Solution and implementation
With Hepta Insights, UAS VOSS was able to launch smart grid inspection services with minimal ramp-up time. Hepta provided:
- A secure cloud platform capable of processing multi-source drone inspection data for vegetation and mechanical grid defects
- An efficient analysis workflow that supports AI-enhanced analysis
- An integrated dashboard with the ability to view reports and download Excel/CSV and PDF reports
The solution enabled UAS VOSS to offer clients raw inspection imagery and complete situational awareness from defect detection to maintenance planning, all in a single platform.
Transmission tower inspection in forested terrain
Key Milestones
Since adopting Hepta Insights, UAS VOSS has:
- Deployed their total solution offering to clients across Western Norway
- Completed nearly 500 km of grid inspections by 2024
- Grown from a single operator to a team of three partners
- Positioned themselves as a go-to provider for high-quality, data-driven grid inspections
Their strategy now focuses on expanding to over 2,000 km of annual inspections, with a long-term goal of serving the majority of regional utilities in their area.
Inspection flight for a utility
Addressing challenges
Operating in demanding terrain and conditions naturally brings challenges for an inspection company like UAS VOSS. These include logistical difficulties in the field, as well as learning to fully utilize the capabilities of a new digital solution. However, with support from Hepta and a growing internal team, UAS VOSS has been able to manage these complexities effectively. The Hepta Insights platform has proven to be adaptable and reliable, allowing the company to maintain high data quality and deliver professional results to clients, even in less accessible areas.
Power line inspection in challenging terrain, visualized with mapped flight path
Impact
Although baseline metrics were unavailable due to the collaboration starting from scratch, clear benefits emerged:
- Reduction in inspection costs compared to traditional helicopter surveys
- Immediate delivery of actionable findings to clients
- Positive environmental impact by minimizing heavy aviation use
- Increased customer satisfaction and adoption due to user-friendly analysis outputs
Future outlook
UAS VOSS sees Hepta Insights as an important part of their growth. The platform’s ability to support predictive maintenance, integrate various data layers, and continuously improve AI analysis aligns with UAS VOSS’s goal of becoming a preferred strategic partner for energy infrastructure operators.
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