Keynote
Drone Operations for Overhead Power Lines: Challenges, Solutions, and Opportunities
Professor Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid
Head of Digital and High Frequency Electronics
University of Southern Denmark
Abstract
The inspection and maintenance of overhead power line infrastructure are undergoing an intense transformation driven by advances in unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Drones are rapidly emerging as a key enabler for safer, more efficient, and data-driven asset management. However, their deployment in real-world utility operations presents a complex set of technical, operational, and energy-related challenges that must be addressed to fully unlock their potential.
This keynote draws on nearly a decade of research and field deployment experience in advanced drone systems for the autonomous inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure. It begins by examining the key challenges of operating drones in close proximity to power lines, including electromagnetic interference, limited flight time, and the need for high-precision navigation to enable accurate and reliable landing on power lines.
Building on these challenges, the talk presents cutting-edge solutions developed through interdisciplinary research and large-scale innovation projects. These include novel energy harvesting mechanisms, real-time onboard processing for accurate detection and perception, and precise landing on overhead cables. In addition, autonomous cable navigation and avoidance systems are introduced to support continuous and safe inspection missions.
Finally, the keynote explores emerging opportunities at the intersection of drones, bioinspired designs, and energy systems, including the use of aerial robots for maintenance tasks such as component replacement on power lines.
Short Bio
Emad Samuel Malki Ebeid is a Professor at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU) and head of the Digital and High Frequency Electronics section, based in Odense, where he leads research on advanced drone systems and autonomous inspection technologies. Since establishing his research line in 2017, he has focused on developing intelligent aerial solutions for the inspection and maintenance of critical infrastructure, particularly within the energy sector.
He has extensive experience in European research and innovation programs, including the Horizon Europe framework, where he has participated in numerous collaborative projects and coordination. His work has attracted more than 60 million DKK in research funding and has contributed to advancing the state of the art in autonomous drone operations, AI-enabled inspection, and large-scale deployment of aerial robotics in the energy sector.
Prof. Ebeid is actively engaged in bridging academia and industry, working closely with utility companies and technology partners to translate research outcomes into practical, scalable solutions. His contributions continue to shape the future of drone-enabled infrastructure inspection and smart energy systems.