THE CURRENT SITUATION

Currently, vegetation cutting near power lines is largely performed manually, using tools that only partially automate the process. These activities often require direct human presence, including work at height or near live electrical components, which can pose safety risks.

The goal of this challenge is to identify remote solutions with operator on the ground or completely automated solution that reduce the need for physical intervention, improving both safety and operational efficiency. By rethinking traditional methods and leveraging innovative tools, Enel Grids aims to create a safer working environment for field personnel while ensuring reliable vegetation management in compliance with local regulations.

THE CHALLENGE SOLUTION’S REQUIRED FEATURES AND DETAILS

Enel Grids is looking for innovative solutions to improve the safety and efficiency of vegetation management near power lines.

The goal is to identify a remote-operated or semi-automated cutting system that allows operators to work from ground with a safe distance, reducing physical exposure while ensuring precise, effective pruning. The solution should be suitable for both routine maintenance and emergency interventions, and adaptable to different environments and regulatory contexts.

Some innovative tools have already been introduced that help reduce safety risks and improve efficiency. In particular, field operators are currently using a manual controlled electric chainsaw (called “motopoda”) connected to an insulated hot stick and used from the ground for pruning close to both MV and LV lines. In order to guarantee stability, a tripod is used to balance the system weight and avoid that the operator works within the falling zone.

Since this solution has some limitations in its use due to manual handling, ergonomics, weight, branch diameter limitation, lack of remote control and branch handling control. Enel Grids is seeking a solution for either improve the “motopoda” tool or other technologies that bring at least the same safety and efficiency benefits.

Applicants are being accepted globally. The testing phase will be conducted in Brazil with potential scale-up across all Enel Grids countries.

SOLUTION MUST HAVE

1.      MAIN TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The proposed solution must:

1.1.  Allow the operator to remain at a safe distance, avoiding contact with falling branches.

1.2.  Be focused on cutting branches with diameters up to 20 cm and located at a height of up to 15m.

1.3.  Be made in materials and designed to reduce the perceived physical effort of the operator (device weight ≤ 9 kg).

1.4.  Structural integrity guaranteed for a minimum lifespan of 3 years under intensive use.

1.5.  Foresee the possibility to control remotely the activities during execution.

1.6.  Ensure clean, precise cuts to avoid manual finishing. The solution should allow angle adjustment or stabilization of the cutting head to ensure precision and operator control.

1.7.  Operate efficiently in both scheduled and emergency scenarios.

1.8.  Battery powered, guaranteeing at least 40 minutes of continuous activity.

1.9.  Be easy to install and maintain, with minimal setup time.

1.10.                    Be electrically insulated for safe use on both live and de-energized lines (up to 35 kV).

1.11.                    Be suitable for urban and rural environments with various weather conditions (e.g., rain, wind, high humidity, dust).

1.12.                    Have a modular design allowing modular replacement of components (blade, battery, control unit...), in order to have easy maintenance.

1.13.                    Have a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) ≥ 6.

1.14.                    Performance index: operational advancement of 0.3 m² per cutting cycle for vegetation cutting of branches up to 20cm in diameter.

2.      OTHER REQUIREMENTS

2.1.  Compliance with safety standards: The solution must comply (or be available to obtain) with international and local certification to sell and use the product for vegetation pruning.

2.2.  Training and usability: The system should be intuitive and require minimal training for field operators. If specialized training is needed, clear documentation and training materials must be provided.

The participant whose solution will be awarded as winning solution, shall make available up to 5 devices (or prototypes) for the Proof-of-Concept covered by the collaboration agreement to be negotiated in good faith with Enel Grids, as further described below. Such devices (or prototypes) shall be made available within 3 months from the signing of the collaboration agreement.

SOLUTION NICE TO HAVE

The following features are considered nice to have and may provide added value. The system should:

1.      Include a mechanism to retain cut branches, preventing free fall.

2.      minimize noise and emissions, especially for use in urban or environmentally sensitive areas.

3.      Use an autonomous system that can control the hot stick without the human presence.

Enel is willing to consider and accept proposed solutions with a lower TRL number, if the solution can reach all ‘must have’ and ‘nice to have’ requirements. A development roadmap is required for lower TRL applications. The presence of an office or headquarters in Brazil will be a favorable factor in our evaluation.

DELIVERABLES

Proposals shall be submitted to the platform openinnovability.com in a single stage including the following information in English:

3.      Solution name/title and overview;

4.      Solution detailed description (e.g., Technical, Functional, Cybersecurity and Operational specifications, etc.);

5.      Solution design (e.g. Hardware, Software, Interfaces and electronic scheme, etc.);

6.      An estimation of the price for up to 5 devices (or prototypes) available for a Proof-of-Concept;

7.      An estimation of the final price of the solution for an amount of 1000 devices and multiple;

8.      Supporting documentation: any additional supporting materials, compliance documentation, simulations, or research that help in understanding and evaluating the proposed solution could be uploaded.

9.      Development roadmap if your solution has a lower TRL

The chosen proposal(s) will have the opportunity to collaborate with Enel Grids and test the devices (or prototypes) in a Proof-of-Concept agreement, in accordance with the terms and conditions better described in the REGULATION ATTACHED [LINK TO DOWNLOAD].