As utilities modernize their grid infrastructure, leveraging AI-driven analytics is becoming essential for achieving operational efficiency, reliability, and safety at scale. In this session, Buzz Solutions, and New York Power Authority (NYPA), will present a real-world case study showcasing NYPA’s deployment of Buzz Solutions’ PowerAI platform for transmission and substation infrastructure inspections using UAVs and fixed cameras. 

Learn how NYPA’s transmission inspections team and drone operations group leveraged computer vision AI to automate the process of efficiently capturing drone imagery and detection of components and anomalies across thousands of miles of transmission lines and substations. The session will cover: 

• How NYPA integrated drone-captured imagery with PowerAI’s analytics pipeline 

• Computer vision models to efficiently capture drone imagery through a QA/QC system 

• AI-driven detection of equipment, defects, and asset condition anomalies 

• Computer vision AI for monitoring substation security, safety and equipment conditions using fixed camera feeds 

• Human-In-The-Loop workflow for validating AI results from NYPA subject matter experts 

• Successes achieved in reducing manual review hours and increasing defect detection accuracy 

• Operational challenges during deployment and how they were addressed 

• Insights, learnings, and future applications for scaling AI across NYPA’s asset portfolio 

Attendees will walk away with actionable insights on operationalizing AI for inspections, best practices for data integration, and key lessons from a utility-scale AI deployment.