ULC Technologies and Con Edison Receive RBR50 Innovation Award for Development of Autonomous Cable End Preparation Machine
ULC Technologies LLC., a global leader in robotics development, and Con Edison, one of the largest utility companies in the U.S., announced today that they were awarded an RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award within the Application and Market Innovation category for the development of an autonomous electric cable end preparation machine. This innovative technology automates the termination of medium voltage cables to enable more reliable and resilient connections within the power grid and improve the safety of utility workers.
“The RBR50 Innovation Awards recognizes forward-thinking organizations for developing next-generation technologies that will deliver a positive global impact,” says Ali Asmari, Director of Project Management. “Our engineering team takes pride in developing equipment that will help utilities expand their network faster and better respond to outages.”
The Cable End Preparation Machine can be secured onto the middle of an uncut cable in the field and uses electrical actuators to provide precise coordinated motion along the axial and circumferential directions, including continuous 360-degree operation. The machine’s tool plate consists of numerous tools capable of stripping back each layer of the cable to a desired dimension using precision tool depth controls.
ULC Technologies and Con Edison began field trials of the cable splicing machine this year. The machine completed the end preparation of three phases of medium voltage cable autonomously in approximately 25 to 30 minutes per phase.
“Receiving the RBR50 award and being recognized as one of the top 50 leading robotic innovations across the globe by the Robot Report is not only a great honor, but it is also a testament to the dedication of our team and our partner, Con Edison, as we work to develop technologies that push the limits of technology and bring solutions to the energy industry,” said Asmari.
More information about the RBR50 can be found at https://www.therobotreport.com/rbr50-2024/
