Reporter: Could you please tell me, why Son La Hydropower Company propose the application of operational monitoring robots?

Mr. Khuong The Anh: Before the optimization requirement in production activities of the unit, Son La Hydropower Company realized that traditional operating methods had reached the limit in terms of optimal use, operation personnel flexibility after the process of separating the repair force from the unit, as well as realizing that the application of robotic equipment into operation is technically feasible.

Mr. Khuong The Anh

Robot application aims to automate part of repetitive work, detect problems invisible to the naked eye, and monitor locations with high-risk factors. The application is also gradually towards the goal of testing remote control and monitoring, reducing the number of people on duty, improving labor productivity, and optimizing production costs...

Reporter: How effective is the testing of robot applications, sir?

Mr. Khuong The Anh: Robot equipment was put into operation at the end of 2022. Up to now, it has been working stably. Operators are also familiar with the presence of robots as part of the operational monitoring process.

The robot with image processing technology helps detect abnormalities in the equipment system, by processing pictures of the status of the indicator lights on the cabinet surface and from the sensors that measure temperature, humidity, CO, and CO2 to supply accurate information to the operator. Since the introduction of the robot, the operator's work has been reduced, limiting the need to enter unsafe areas such as areas with high-pressure tanks, high voltage equipment...

Reporter: Knowing that this robot is designed by the company's employees, can you share the process of designing this robot?

Mr. Khuong The Anh:

The original idea was the Slam 3D robot model using 3D sensors and cameras to scan the map, but this model did not fit. The research team consulted more experts. The process of choosing the main technology solution lasted nearly 6 months and finally, the research team offered the optimal version that allows practical applications like today.

Equipment monitoring robot

Reporter: Could you please share the operating characteristics of the robot manufactured by the company?

Mr. Khuong The Anh: The robot automatically moves along the magnetic line, stopping at RFID tag locations. After checking 3 units, the robot will move to the resting position and charge itself. The robot has the functions of turning on and off the monitoring of each unit, skipping the inspection of the equipment being separated for repair. Each unit will have locations to check the technology equipment system and locate these locations by RF ID tags. Along the way, the robot uses a live stream camera, recording video continuously.

At the cabinets, the robot will take and process images stored on the server, when an error is detected, it will be pinned on the image with a timestamp and sent information to the operator. The alarm value setting thresholds can be adjusted to suit reality.

In addition, the robot can automatically stop and warn when it detects an obstacle in the path and only resumes its journey when the obstacle has been removed.

Main interface page of robot's path monitoring software

Reporter: Does the company plan to develop more of this robot?

Mr. Khuong The Anh: From the obtained results, we are monitoring and evaluating the completion of functions to research and improve, add new functions, and continue to propose the Vietnam Electricity to allow develop new versions for practical applications at Son La and Lai Chau hydropower plants.

Reporter: Thank you, sir!

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