Case Study: Albatroz Engineering achieves automated, real-time, near-100% accurate power line inspections and 90% cost reduction with MathWorks

Albatroz Engineering Develops Automated, Real-Time Power Line Inspection System

Albatroz Engineering developed the Power Line Maintenance Inspection (PLMI) system to automate real-time inspection of overhead power lines and provide exact distance measurements to hazards. Working with MathWorks tools such as MATLAB, Image Acquisition Toolbox, Signal Processing Toolbox, and MATLAB Compiler, the team needed an integrated environment to acquire and synchronize LIDAR, GPS, infrared/UV/video data, and deliver accurate, single-pass detection that met customer specifications (≥95% hazard detection).

Using MathWorks software, Albatroz prototyped and implemented real-time data acquisition, LIDAR segmentation algorithms, and a stand-alone post‑processing GUI, later integrating MATLAB‑developed algorithms into C++ for higher-throughput airborne systems. The MathWorks-based solution cut development time by at least 50% (prototype in ~4 months, working system in 6), achieves near‑100% accuracy on high‑voltage lines with <5% false alarms, and reduced inspection costs by about 90%.

Albatroz Engineering

Alberto Vale

Chief Research and Development Engineer