Assessing and mitigating risk from aging infrastructure, wildfire, and storm events are among the top objectives of T&D asset managers. Aging of the workforce and increased commitment to worker safety bring additional challenges and emphasis on how inspection data is collected, stored, and processed. With utilities looking for ways to inspect their infrastructure more efficiently, safely, and comprehensively, some have already adopted and others are considering aerial-based virtual inspections. Join our panel discussion and live Q&A with industry experts from EDM to hear how virtual inspections fit within existing maintenance and inspection processes.
Watch this webinar to:
- Learn what virtual inspections are.
- Discover how they fit into utilities’ current processes and how they can be scaled.
- Uncover virtual inspection pitfalls and benefits that can be achieved.
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Inspecting transmission and distribution assets is tremendously time- and labor-intensive for utilities. Watch this webinar to learn the benefits and requirements of using a virtual inspection program and what AI is and isn’t capable of doing.May 12th 2023
Together with Smart Innovation Norway and IFE – Institute of Energy Technology, we are the initiators of a brand-new business cluster within applied AI to lift Norwegian companies into the future.
The environment in Halden has evolved to become a strong center of excellence in applied AI. To further strengthen it with an initiative with a national perspective, each member company will benefit, and help to develop the competitiveness of Norwegian business. We look forward to contributing actively
Much AI is currently being researched, and large nations such as the United States are far ahead. Smart Innovation Norway has always acted as a bridge between research and business and our mantra is “no impact, no research
It is therefore natural for us to aim for a business cluster for those who want to use artificial intelligence in practice
AI has come to stay
Mosaker explains that the new cluster will not only focus on artificial intelligence
in isolation, but will also include cyber security, business development, ethics and framework conditions, people and organization.
We want to have a cluster that looks at AI as practically as possible, where members can help each other get ready for the new era we’re entering – where AI is going to be an important part of our lives
he points out.
In order to achieve the cluster’s goal of making Norwegian companies sustainable and ready for a new world, which will largely be guided by artificial intelligence, the Halden-based research and innovation company Smart Innovation Norway has brought together key organizations from both private business and the public sector. and academia. Already, more than 40 different players have agreed to join the industry cluster.
All those who are in the cluster are companies that work with AI or have decided to work with AI
Mosaker says.
1 + 1 = 3
Among the initiators are Smart Innovation Norway, the software comet eSmart Systems and the research organization IFE (Institute of Energy Technology).
We have a strong competence environment within AI in Halden from before, with IFE, which has been providing AI solutions internationally since the 1980s, and Østfold University College, which has maintained its offer of pure machine learning studies while other colleges and universities may have skipped on other things
Mosaker points out.
The cluster has also been joined by heavy players such as Østfold Energi, Zacco and Statsbygg, as well as several start-up companies.
The global technology provider, Cyviz, supported the early cluster initiative, and has in turn contributed to the digitization and efficiency of Norwegian and foreign organizations for over 20 years with their innovative solutions in visualization, collaboration and simulation.
So we have a strong expertise at the bottom and when all these companies that want to work with applied AI come together, you get the opportunity to learn from the best. The idea with this cluster, as with other business clusters, is that when people come together, 1 plus 1 can quickly become 3
says Mosaker.
AI in both research and commercialized products
Mosaker highlights the unique AI environment that already exists in Halden as a key and important factor in the development of the new cluster. In addition to the aforementioned IFE and HiØ, which on a Norwegian scale have a very special history and tradition when it comes to AI, the technology company eSmart Systems in many ways represents the latest screams in the same field:
eSmart Systems has probably landed Norway’s largest AI investment from German and US investors of nearly half a billion. Thus, in Halden, we have both the expertise of heavy manufacturing in terms of production and we have a company that offers industrialized AI integrated into its software products through eSmart Systems. That combination makes the Halden environment in a very special position to further develop and share this knowledge nationally
Mosaker states
He believes the new business cluster will be important for Norwegian companies’ competence building and innovation in applied AI in the future.
Norway is far behind when it comes to investing in AI and we note on the positive reception that cooperation is needed in this area. We believe that we can get Norway to recover some of the neglected by good forces gathering and learning from each other, concludes Thor Mosaker (photo).
From then on, Smart Innovation Norway leads the industry cluster NCE Smart Energy Markets, with over 70 partners. Both clusters will live side by side in Smart Innovation Norway.
The R&D project Connected Drone 2 aims to increase asset insight and reduce the number of power outages. In June, the project completed the first out of a three-year project period.
eSmart Systems’ Project Manager, Kathrin Sunde, is pleased with the progress so far.
Over the past few months we have been working with further development of the Connected Drone software and the two apps; Mobile Ground Station and Field Inspector. Our Analytics team has also been working on algorithms for autonomous navigation of drones along power lines and demonstration of “hardware in the loop” flights in our simulation environment. Now, we look forward to start the next phase.
Innovating power line inspections
Connected Drone 2 is a combined innovation and product development project, and the next phase is focused on automatic UAVs missions in a simulated environment, including development of deep learning algorithms which can recognize assets like power lines and pylons in real time. The project will also focus on further improvement of algorithms for component and defect detection in images as well as significant improvements in the Connected Drone software.
Connected Drone 2 counts 22 participating grid companies, of which Øvre Eiker Nett is the latest addition. Arne Hanto Moen, CEO of Øvre Eiker Nett is looking forward to getting started.
As a small power grid company, we want to use the most modern and best tools available. Connected Drone 2 will enable us to get a better overview and insight into our distribution network. In addition, we hope that involvement in this innovative project will give Øvre Eiker Nett positive ripple effects
eSmart Systems, a Norwegian provider of AI-based analytics for infrastructure inspection and asset health monitoring, has successfully completed a capital raise of USD 34.4 million. Energy Impact Partners (EIP), the US utility-backed investment fund, and innogy Ventures have joined the investment round initially closed by Equinor Energy Ventures, Nysnø Climate Investments, and Kongsberg Digital in December 2018.
Currently, eSmart’s software oversees electricity operations for 48 customers in 7 countries, including Norway, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. The company is also a Microsoft Partner and its CTO, Erik Aasberg, has been appointed as a Microsoft Regional Director.
We are proud to announce EIP and innogy Ventures as eSmart Systems’ new growth partners and shareholders. This partnership has great potential for the energy industry, and we see this as an excellent platform for propelling eSmart Systems into its next phase of international expansion
A solid foundation for further growth
Strong partnerships are essential for eSmart’s further growth. For the last 6 years eSmart Systems has received the support of several global players as partners and shareholders, including Equinor Energy Ventures, Nysnø Climate Investments and Kongsberg Digital. With EIP and innogy Ventures entering as shareholders in a second closing, eSmart Systems has fulfilled its ambition to establish a solid foundation from which to expand in both American and European markets.
EIP is a leading US venture fund focusing on the energy sector backed by some of the world’s largest and most progressive utilities. innogy Ventures is the venture capital investment arm of innogy Innovation Hub, funded by innogy SE which is one of Europe’s leading energy companies.
eSmart Systems can help utilities ensure and maintain the reliability, safety, and resiliency of the electric grid,” said Energy Impact Partners’ Michael Donnelly. “EIP is thrilled to have eSmart as a portfolio company and co-invest alongside such strong partners. eSmart’s intelligent analytics solution for energy and utility companies has immediate use cases for our investor base. It helps utilities efficiently and effectively analyze existing and expanding data sources (including images and sensors), providing actionable insights for transmission and distribution systems.
We are proud to support this terrific team with deep energy industry experience. Based on exceptional AI capabilities, eSmart is providing the next level software needed for a digital, decarbonized and decentralised future energy world. Its Connected Drone product, for example, supports grid operators to maintain their assets with unparalleled efficiency via automated fault detection. With its leading technology, an impressive customer base and powerful investor consortium, eSmart is perfectly placed for rapid international scaling
About
ESMART SYSTEMS. eSmart Systems builds and delivers the next generation software solutions for inspections of powerlines, grid maintenance planning and energy flexibility optimization. We target utilities worldwide and offer reduced costs and prolonged asset life with the use of our AI-powered solutions. The company is based on more than 20 years of international experience in establishing and operating knowledge based, leading IT and energy related companies targeting global markets.
ENERGY IMPACT PARTNERS. Energy Impact Partners (EIP) is an investment firm focused on the conversion of the energy industry towards a decarbonized, decentralized, digitized and electrified future. EIP brings together leading innovators with some of the world’s most valuable, forward-looking energy and operating companies to create a cleaner, more secure and resilient future. Through close collaboration with its investor base, EIP connects the best companies, buying power and vision in the industry to bear on the emerging energy landscape. EIP’s utility partners include Southern Company, National Grid, Xcel Energy, Ameren, Evergy, Fortis Inc., AGL, Avista, MGE Energy Inc., TEPCO, PTT Public Company Limited, OGE Energy Corp., TransCanada, and Alliant Energy.
INNOGY VENTURES. innogy Ventures GmbH is the €130m venture capital investment arm of the innogy Innovation Hub, participating or leading series A and beyond venture capital deals focused on innovative and digital business models in North America, Europe and Israel. Portfolio companies are supported with comprehensive market knowledge, assistance in business development and links to the wider innogy SE’s network in order to support their competitiveness and accelerate their growth.
innogy Ventures and the innogy Innovation Hub are funded by innogy SE, a leading German energy company, with revenues of around 37 billion euros (2018), around 43,000 employees as well as activities in 16 European countries and in new markets such as Australia, Canada and the USA.
EQUINOR ENERGY VENTURES. Equinor’s 200 MUSD venture capital fund was launched in February 2016. With a team in both Europe and North America and a long term approach, the fund is dedicated to investing up to 20 MUSD in attractive and ambitious growth companies in renewable and low carbon energy technologies, supporting Equinor’s strategy of growth in new energy solutions.
NYSNØ CLIMATE INVESTMENTS. The Norwegian sovereign climate investment fund makes commercial investments in companies and funds that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Nysnø invests alongside private investors looking for profitable, climate friendly investments. Nysnø is based in Stavanger, Norway and has been operational since mid-2018.
KONGSBERG DIGITAL. Kongsberg Digital is a provider of next-generation software and digital solutions to customers within maritime, oil and gas, and renewables and utilities. The company consists of more than 500 software experts with leading competence within the internet of things, smart data, artificial intelligence, maritime simulation, automation and autonomous operations. Kongsberg Digital is subsidiary of KONGSBERG (OSE-ticker: KOG), an international, knowledge-based group delivering high-technology systems and solutions to clients within the oil and gas industry, subsea, merchant marine, defence and aerospace. KONGSBERG has 11 000 employees worldwide, creating a total revenue of NOK 14.4 billion in 2018.
ADVISORS
To eSmart Systems:
• Financial Advisor: DNB Markets
• Legal: Advokatfirmaet CLP DA
eSmart Systems’ CTO, Erik Åsberg, has been appointed the reputable title as Microsoft Regional Director for a second consecutive two-year period.
Regional Directors are hand-picked by Microsoft based on a rigorous set of evaluations designed to help select the best representatives of developer, IT Pro, and strategic technology needs of the world’s most impactful businesses. In 2017, Erik was chosen as Microsoft Reginal Director – Norway for the first time.
It is an honor and a great privilege to again be acknowledged by Microsoft and appointed Regional Director for a second consecutive period. Microsoft is a key partner for us at eSmart Systems, and I am looking forward to continuing taking part in this prominent worldwide community of technology
Microsoft Regional Director Program
Established in 1993, the program consists of 175 of the world’s top technology visionaries chosen specifically for their proven cross-platform expertise, community leadership, and commitment to business results. Regional Directors are typically keynoting at top industry events, leading community groups and local initiatives, running technology-focused companies, or consulting on and implementing the latest breakthrough within a multinational corporation.
Read more about the program on Microsoft Regional Directors.
About Erik Åsberg
Erik Åsberg serves as Chief Technology Officer of eSmart Systems AS. With over 20 years of experience from the energy & IT field, he is an expert in leveraging the use of new technology to strengthen businesses through complete eco-systems on Microsoft Azure platform.
For the second consecutive year, eSmart Systems was recognized as finalist in the category of AI and Machine Learning in the annual Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards.
To be again confirmed finalist in the coveted category of AI and Machine Learning is a particularly great honor and yet a new milestone for us. Microsoft’s commitment and partnership with us has been a great enabler for both our technological leadership and outreach to our customers worldwide
Excellence in innovation based on Microsoft technology
The annual awards recognize Microsoft partners demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. Award winners and finalists from around the world will be recognized at Microsoft Inspire, July 14–18, 2019, in Las Vegas, Nevada.
We’re thrilled to celebrate the finalists and winners of the Microsoft 2019 Partner of the Year Awards,” said Gavriella Schuster, corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft. “These companies are industry leaders helping businesses around the world connect and achieve more. I’m truly amazed by each winner and finalist, and I am honored to highlight the incredible work they are doing.
Read more and see winners and finalists on Microsoft News Center.
eSmart Systems announced a partnership with Juniper Unmanned, Inc., a Colorado-based remote sensing and analytics integrator for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).
The partnership aims to capitalize on the combination of Juniper Unmanned’s expertise for producing high-quality data combined with eSmart Systems’ AI platform Connected Drone®, powered by Microsoft® Azure to improve utility companies’ detailed inspections by providing actionable intelligence downstream. Juniper Unmanned provides enhanced LiDAR and photogrammetric services to a number of markets, including utilities, transportation, oil & gas, and AEC.
Successful analysis must begin with high quality, interpretable images. We have found that Juniper Unmanned consistently delivers high quality imagery and LiDAR data
Also, Juniper has been providing UAS enablement services to customers. eSmart specializes in AI for utilities, including image recognition to catalog and review infrastructure components to make more informed decisions for transmission and distribution (T&D) assets and their related environments. “We’ve had the opportunity to work with eSmart before and we felt it was a great strategic fit,” said Brian Soliday, Chief Revenue Officer of Juniper Unmanned.
We’ve found that even the most advanced AI routines require high quality data for detecting anomalies, like missing or damaged equipment, and to support critical observations needed for NESC (National Electric Safety Code) violations, which can be detected via the eSmart applications.
Our software helps utilities reduce line inspections times, decrease power outages, and improve line worker safety. We use AI coupled with Internet of Things (IoT) to automatically detect and analyze defects on a utility power line, analyzing 200K images per hour vs 50K images per year with traditional manual processes
Juniper Unmanned has really been there when we’ve needed them to be and stepped up and far exceeded our expectations. They understand the customer requirements in the utility segment and are the UAS data expertsJuniper has a continuous commitment to adding to their acquisition, sensor fleet, and data processing capabilities.
These past few days eSmart Systems have had several high profiled visits. The Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, and Minister of Research and Higher Education, Iselin Nybø, visited the Simulation Center in Halden May 28th. This was followed by a visit from Norway’s first Minister of Digitalisation, Nikolai Astrup, June 3rd.
The main objective for their trip to Halden was to gain a better understanding of the many innovative projects concerning smart energy, digitalisation and AI.
The Minster of Digitalisation did also attend the opening of Institute for Energy Technology’s new cybersecurity and digitalisation lab. Read more about Institute for Energy Technology (IFE).
Key to success
The Ministers received a brief introduction to eSmart Systems, Smart Innovation Norway and Nordic Media Lab. They got to experience first-hand applied AI by testing the Connected Drone product demo, which also included how eSmart Systems train machine learning algorithms using simulation.
This is an exciting and important technological environment, not just for Østfold, but for Norway. I believe the key to succeeding in digitalisation in Norway is the interaction you have between different companies and their expertise. We have come a long way, but now we must step it up to the next level- and this kind of business cluster is one of the most exciting things we can have in order to achieve it. Professionally, what made the greatest impression is the collaboration between different environments that have come together and created something completely new. This is innovation at its finest and there is more to come. It is very inspiring to see that companies that originated from here also manage to achieve success abroad.
Innovation is the future
It is clear that the innovative work and solutions developed in Halden are fully in line with the Governments aspirations.
A great example of what we want more of; where research meets business
During this year’s Conservative Party Conference speech, the Prime Minster gave a special mention to eSmart Systems and Smart Innovations Norway’s innovative efforts. Watch video here.
eSmart Systems recently launched a new app called Mobile Ground Station (MGS). The app allows utilities to use their own DJI drones, collect inspection data and have it analyzed in the Connected Drone software.
We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to get data easily into the software for analysis
MGS has been tested for the past 9 months with various customers, and the launch is linked to the major upgrade on the Connected Drone software (version 2.1).
I am very enthusiastic about this – in the Connected Drone software the users may follow drone operations in real time. If you have one or even several drones flying you can sit at your office and monitor the operation in real time
says Lie
Imagine that you have an outage scenario and need to coordinate the efforts out in the field with the operation center. You can start the desktop client and as soon as one of the drone operators starts a mission in the app you will see where the drone is. When they take pictures, you will instantly have those ready and analyzed in the desktop client. We believe that this will reduce the time it takes to identify outages significantly
Lie continues
Typical use cases
According to Lie, the typical user of MGS is related to how the utilities operate. Some utilities fly drones themselves; others use external drone operators. MGS support both these set ups. The two typical use cases for the app are planned powerline inspections and field workers searching and trying to identify the cause of an outage.
An added benefit of using Connected Drone is the product’s ability to strengthen the Utilities’ knowledge about the various components on their assets. eSmart Systems works with operators both in Europe and in the US, and the usage scenario is the same – you install the app on your device, and with a DJI drone you can use the app to effectively collect data.
How to get started?
The app is a part of the Connected Drone software. Customers can download the app from Apple’s app store and notify eSmart Systems who will setup a user.
Thursday April 25, eSmart Systems signed a letter of intent with the United Nations Smart Sustainable City Network to establish Northern Europe’s first United Smart Sustainable City Lab (USSC Lab).
eSmart Systems was one of 11 players signing the agreement, and the main program objective is to promote sustainable development and projects in cities at a global level, supporting cities in transition and developing countries to develop smarter and more sustainable urban solutions. In Norway, the USSC lab will be in Ålesund, at the Offshore Simulator Centre at Campus Ålesund.
Envision a future of sustainable societies
eSmart Systems has also joined the United Smart Cities Program, which is a program based on the core values from the UN’s sustainability goals.
In addition to public actors and innovation environments, private sector partnerships are key elements of the United Smart Cities Program. According to UN, United Smart Cities has initiated and developed an extensive pool of companies (covering 12 sectors) to support participating cities in discussions of applicable and smart technology and to support in the development of projects.
We are convinced that there is a need for cooperation between the private and public sectors to work towards a more sustainable world. At eSmart Systems we envision a future of sustainable societies, and our contribution is through our products which enable our customers to operate more efficiently, resulting in both social and environmental benefits. We are proud to be a part of the United Smart Cities program
In addition to eSmart Systems, these 10 players signed the letter of intent, April 25:
Sparebanken Møre, ÅKP, NTNU in Ålesund, Norwegian Maritime Competence Center, SINTEF, Offshore Simulator Center, Next Digital, TAFJORD, Smart Innovation Norway, Møre og Romsdal county municipality.