Digitized, legally compliant and low-emission airmobile inspection and network data collection with automated drones
The DNeD project focuses on the research and development of an intelligent airborne system for the automated inspection of overhead power lines. The system is capable of autonomously deploying and retrieving a sensor on an overhead line in medium- and high-voltage grids. The sensor is designed to acquire both electrical and non-electrical parameters. The approach to the power line, deployment of the sensor, and subsequent retrieval are performed automatically. During the operation, all relevant data is transmitted to a control station, where it is intelligently processed and visualized. This enables a human operator to interpret the acquired information quickly and reliably at any time.
The following video demonstrades the main idea of this project:
Live Demonstration and Final Project Presentation
Would you like to see the system in operation and gain a more detailed insight into the DNeD project?
You are cordially invited to our final project presentation including a live demonstration.
The event will take place on 11 November 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at Emqopter GmbH, Otto-Hahn-Straße 7, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
If you would like to attend, please register by email. The event will also provide an opportunity to meet the people behind the project and exchange ideas with the project team. Snacks and refreshments will be provided, and there will be time for networking.
We look forward to welcoming you!
To sign in, simply send an email to [email protected].
The project ties in with the previous deployment practice of UAS in the field of inspection tasks. It is no longer intended to measure only without contact, but for the first time a measuring system for the acquisition of electrical quantities is to be set down on an energized overhead line to be inspected. This expansion will result in significant savings for network operators, as the time-consuming inspection by human personnel will be almost completely eliminated and lines will no longer have to be switched off. In addition, the application range of UAS is significantly extended, as not only safe automated flight within electric fields becomes possible, but also the precise dropping of loads on moving surfaces.
This is our team:
At the Chair of Control Engineering, the focus is on studies of drone navigation within electric fields. It is expected that the standard sensor technology used will be partially disturbed by the surrounding field. Consequently, alternative sensors need to be evaluated. Particular attention will also be paid to appropriate sensor data fusion to ensure robust flight control.
The project is funded by the Center for Digitization and Technology Research of the German Armed Forces (DTEC.Bw) and runs from 01.11.2020 to 31.12.2024. The project is managed by the Chair of Control Engineering. Contact person is Prof. Joachim Horn
If you would like to become part of this exciting development process or learn more about this topic, please contact Alexander Schulzke.
In house partners
Chair of Electrical Power Systems
Contributing partners
Funded by
Letzte Änderung: 23. September 2026