Autonomous Technology Offers New Safety Solutions for Energy Workers
As aging infrastructure and extreme weather increase risks for energy workers, companies are turning to autonomous technologies to improve safety and efficiency in hazardous environments.
Energy workers face some of the most hazardous job conditions in the world, including climbing transmission towers hundreds of feet high, inspecting pipelines through rough terrain, and working on offshore rigs in severe weather. As aging infrastructure requires more frequent inspection and climate change brings more extreme weather, the risks for these workers are increasing.
Industry leaders say that autonomous technologies, such as drones and robotics, are emerging as critical tools to reduce these hazards and improve inspection safety.
Traditional safety measures, including fall protection equipment, personal protective equipment, and helicopter inspections, have long been used to manage risk in the energy sector. But experts note that these methods have limitations. Helicopter inspections, for example, are costly, burn significant fuel, and expose pilots and crews to danger while flying near high-voltage lines and through adverse conditions. Even with standard safety protocols in place, inspection work continues to expose crews to falls, environmental hazards, and chemical exposures.
New autonomous technologies are beginning to change that. Drones equipped with high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and precision navigation systems can safely conduct long-range inspections of power lines, pipelines, and offshore platforms. Operating beyond the visual line of sight, these aircraft can cover hundreds of miles while keeping human operators out of harm’s way.
Robotics and UAVs are already being deployed in several regions. In Australia, for example, uncrewed helicopters are being used to inspect gas pipelines that stretch for hundreds of miles, providing detailed imagery and digital twins of infrastructure while eliminating the need for crewed flights.
Beyond immediate safety benefits, autonomous inspections can reduce costs and improve operational efficiency. Automated systems can identify maintenance needs earlier, helping prevent sudden equipment failures and allowing companies to shift from reactive to proactive safety strategies.
As infrastructure ages and energy demand grows, companies are turning to autonomous technologies as scalable solutions to keep workers safe while maintaining critical systems. Experts say integrating these technologies into daily operations represents a shift toward proactive protection and can significantly reduce occupational risks in one of the world’s most dangerous industries.
About the Author
Ulrich Amberg is the CEO of SwissDrones, a leading provider of advanced aerial intelligence solutions and long-range uncrewed helicopter systems. Amberg drives the company’s global expansion to establish revolutionary aerial intelligence solutions and offer comprehensive end-to-end support for the energy and utilities industries. Ulrich has more than 25 years of experience in technology-enabled business transformation, professional services, and leadership roles across industries. He was a KPMG partner for eight years, where he held various management positions and led a consulting practice with 150 professionals. He holds degrees in electronics engineering and computer science and has a completed a Corporate Leadership Development Program at INSEAD and the Advanced Management Program (AMP) at Harvard Business School.
