Sharper Shape Bolsters Utility Inspection Offering with AI-powered Asset Insights for Automated Component Identification and Defect Detection

­Sharper Shape, a pioneer in utility asset management solutions, launches its new Asset Insights digital twin software, to simplify and streamline inspection and maintenance schedules across the electric utilities industry, while providing greater asset visibility.

Building on its existing Asset Management module within its Sharper CORE platform, Asset Insights utilizes machine learning-powered component identification and defect detection to increase efficiency and enhance overall risk management for utility companies and their inspection partners. 

By integrating AI, machine learning, and data analytics, Asset Insights works as a cloud-based platform to systematically evaluate asset identification and condition, restructuring the inspection process. Electric T&D utilities and external inspection specialists, such as drone services providers, will benefit from reduced reliance on manual field work and outdated maps with continually updated asset and component coordinates, saving both time and resource spent on critical asset inspection work. 

Glenn Colvin, VP of Product at Sharper Shape, comments: "Keeping the lights on has never been harder for utilities and their partners. Industry players are facing an uphill battle against aging infrastructure and extreme weather events. On top of that, the added task of manual inspections and follow-up reporting creates another layer in their already busy workflow.

“Asset Insights is set to transform how utilities approach risk reduction. With over 95% accuracy and the ability to analyze 1,000 images instantly, this functionality not only simplifies inspection reporting processes but also ensures compliance with regulatory standards by maintaining a robust chain of evidence for inspections.”

The Asset Insights solution features an Automated Defect Detection system which accurately identifies issues such as cracked insulators, rust accumulation and transformer leaks. With the ability to recognize over 40 distribution and transmission components, and with new ones being added frequently, this automated approach aims to provide a comprehensive overview of utility infrastructure conditions, assisting in maintenance planning and infrastructure management.

Drone Service Provider Soaring Eagle Technologies, a long-time user of Sharper Shape's CORE platform, has already seen significant benefits from the company's software solutions. William Paden, CEO at Soaring Eagle Technologies, added “The U.S. has over 5 million miles of powerlines and more than 180 million power poles, and while the utility industry has made great strides in inspection and maintenance through drone-based operations, AI adds an extra level of capability. With new, robust software like Asset Insights we’re able to deliver even more precise and reliable results to our clients, all accessible in a cloud-based platform that our team can look at straight from their phones”.