5G-enabled drones were successfully used by Optus, AWS, Unleash live, and Endeavour Energy to conduct the latter’s first on-site inspection of physical electricity infrastructure.

Because the demonstration was a success, Endeavour Energy is set to deploy the drones across their infrastructure assets in Penrith and Blacktown in NSW. 

Scott Ryan, Endeavour Energy's chief asset and operating officer said, “Finding a better way to deliver a safe, reliable, and sustainable electricity supply is in our DNA. We’re thrilled to work with Optus, AWS, and Unleash Live, with the support of the Australian Government to expedite the use of 5G drone technology to make faster decisions and expedite critical maintenance to continue to keep the lights on for our customers. We are committed to being at the forefront of the current energy transformation by embracing digital innovation.”

Chris Mitchell, Optus Enterprise managing director said, “Today’s successful test of Project Endeavour shows the value that 5G brings to enterprise businesses and critical infrastructure. The 5G’s ultra-low latency allows customers like Endeavour Energy to leverage a range of technologies like never before. Credit to the Australian Government and our partners in AWS and Unleash live in bringing this to life.”

Rianne van Veldhuizen, Amazon Web Services ANZ managing director said, “By leveraging AWS’s analytics and storage capabilities, Unleash live can ingest, store, and process large volumes of visual data from Endeavour Energy’s electricity network in real-time to enable technicians to make faster decisions and expedite maintenance safely.”

Hanno Blankenstein, Unleash live CEO and co-founder said, “The Unleash live enterprise platform is being used today for many applications within the energy industry for improved energy production through faster and more cost-effective fault detection across renewable energy generation and the connected grid...Through working together with Endeavour Energy, Optus, and AWS, Australia will be leading the world when it comes to improving grid reliability and reducing the risks associated to wildfires, floods, and other public hazards.”

The project, which approximately costs $648,000, kicked off in September 2021. It is being funded by the 5G Innovation Initiative of the Federal Government.

Communications Minister Paul Fletcher said, “By employing drones to undertake remote inspections of critical infrastructure, the technology developed through Project Endeavour will assist in restoring power supplies as quickly as possible after an interruption - including during natural disasters.”

The same technology solution can also be used to hasten network repairs and improve worker safety. This is possible by remotely alerting the energy provider of faults or damaged equipment on the network that could otherwise be difficult to be identified manually by humans.