Robot-installed optical cable debuts in Jiaxing

China's first wrapped optical cable for a power distribution network has been put into operation in Jiashan county, Jiaxing, Zhejiang province, marking a bold step forward in digital grid upgrades.

The cable was installed along the 10-kilovolt Dongyun line. It entered service on May 14, with an embodied intelligent robot completing the entire wrapping process autonomously.

To support the growing demand for new-type power systems and wider distribution automation during the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), State Grid Zhejiang Electric Power launched a demonstration project for wrapped optical cables on medium-voltage overhead lines in Jiashan.

The technology addresses the challenges of traditional overhead cable installation, such as difficult construction, high costs, and limited applications. It is expected to improve distributed power integration, feeder automation, and intelligent switch coverage, while enhancing visibility and control of distribution networks.

Ge Qi, deputy director of the dispatch and control sub-center of State Grid Jiaxing Power Supply Company's Jiashan branch, explained that wrapped optical cable is a special power cable wound directly around overhead lines.

Compared with conventional methods, he noted, the new approach offers better construction efficiency, material use, and protection against external damage. The Dongyun line passes through areas with frequent tree-line conflicts and already has fault indicators and bird diverters.

Ge added that traditional manual construction would have required at least 22 workers and repeated climbing, creating major safety management pressure.

During the robot-powered operation, ground personnel used a remote-control system to issue commands. Carrying the optical cable, the robot moved along the power line while wrapping it around.

When encountering obstacles like crossarms or insulator bindings, the robot adjusted its posture to pass over them autonomously. The entire installation was completed in one go with only five ground staff members for remote supervision.

Compared with manual construction, this method improves operational efficiency by 60 percent and cuts construction costs by 50 percent.