TLDR: Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL), in collaboration with Andhra University students and Bengaluru-based startup JOHNAIC, has developed and deployed an AI-based server to significantly reduce power outages and enhance public safety. This innovative system uses smartphone cameras to detect faulty infrastructure like leaning poles and tilted cross-arms, offering a cost-effective alternative to traditional monitoring methods. The technology, already integrated into routine operations, aims to improve consumer services and has been open-sourced for broader adoption across other power distribution companies.
Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) has unveiled a groundbreaking Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system designed to dramatically minimize power cuts and bolster safety across its operational areas. This innovative solution is the result of a collaborative effort between APEPDCL’s IT engineers, students from Andhra University, and the Bengaluru-based startup JOHNAIC.
The newly developed AI server, which was deployed in APEPDCL’s data center earlier in March, represents a significant leap forward in grid management. Its primary functions include the automatic detection of faulty infrastructure, such as leaning poles and tilted cross-arms, using standard smartphone cameras. This capability not only streamlines inspection processes but also provides a cost-effective and efficient alternative to more expensive methods like drone-based monitoring.
Prudhvi Tej Immadi, CMD, APEPDCL, emphasized the strategic importance of this initiative, stating, “The drive to embed emerging technologies like AI into day-to-day discom operations led to the exploration of the new system. Turning this exploration into a real time AI model within a few weeks proved to be not just a game-changer but also indicated that home-grown innovation can power our grid. Going forward, AI can be incorporated to augment and support our manpower.”
The project highlights a successful synergy between academia and industry. Under the mentorship of Sasank Chilamkurthy, CEO of JOHNAIC, students received specialized training in GPU programming and AI workflows. Concurrently, APEPDCL’s IT team, led by Van Srinivas, mobilized linemen to collect crucial training data, which was instrumental in achieving high accuracy in identifying defective infrastructure.
Beyond minimizing power outages, the team behind the innovation stressed its potential to enhance public safety and foster self-reliance within the energy sector. The system is now seamlessly integrated into APEPDCL’s routine operational surveys, empowering field staff, linemen, and assistant executive engineers with advanced tools for frontline operations. Future expansions of the system are already planned, targeting the detection of insulator defects and vegetation growth, which are common causes of power disruptions.
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In a move to accelerate technological adoption and benefit the broader power distribution landscape, APEPDCL has open-sourced this pioneering work. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to leveraging emerging technologies to deliver enhanced consumer services and build a more resilient and safer power grid.
