Core Viewpoint - The application of drone technology in power transmission inspection has significantly improved efficiency and safety, transitioning from manual to automated processes in the industry [1][3][4]. Group 1: Drone Technology Development - The team began exploring drone inspections in 2013, facing challenges such as complex structures and operational difficulties, initially achieving only 3-5 tower inspections per day [3]. - After several years of development, the drone inspection capabilities improved, allowing for the completion of inspections of 10 towers in half an hour, replacing manual inspections [3]. Group 2: Innovations in Drone Inspection - The team developed three key innovations: an autonomous navigation system for drones, a multi-spectral imaging system for defect detection, and an intelligent analysis system that achieves over 95% accuracy in identifying defects from inspection images [3][4]. - In 2021, the team deployed the first drone nest for autonomous inspections, enabling remote control of drones over distances of up to 4 kilometers without human intervention [4]. Group 3: Achievements and Future Prospects - By 2023, the team established 568 drone nests across the province, creating a collaborative inspection demonstration area and normalizing the use of drone inspections [4]. - The evolution of drone inspections has progressed from manual control (1.0) to autonomous inspections (2.0) and finally to collaborative drone nests (3.0), marking a significant transformation in the industry [4].

Core Insights - The article highlights the integration of advanced technologies such as underwater bridge inspection robots and drones in bridge maintenance to enhance safety and efficiency during the flood season [3][4]. Group 1: Technology Integration - The introduction of an underwater bridge inspection robot allows for efficient and precise detection of structural issues such as cracks, concrete spalling, and exposed rebar, with data being uploaded in real-time [3]. - Drones are utilized for aerial inspections, capturing detailed images of critical bridge components, and transmitting data to a digital management platform, covering a radius of 5 kilometers [3]. Group 2: Maintenance Strategy - The traditional method of bridge inspection relied heavily on manual labor and specialized vehicles, which was time-consuming and inefficient [4]. - The new approach combines water, land, and air resources for a comprehensive maintenance strategy, creating a "digital ledger" for each bridge that enhances decision-making in maintenance [4]. - The transportation department aims to establish a more intelligent flood prevention and maintenance detection system to strengthen the "smart maintenance defense line" [4].