TC 129 - Robotics for electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems
Standardization of robotics applied in power systems, i.e. power plants, substations, transmission and distribution lines, etc., mainly includes terminology, design, functions and performance, test methods, interfaces between robots and information systems, operation methods, and safety and security requirements. Robot systems used in power systems shall include those travelling on rails, on ground (via unmanned ground vehicles), in the air (e.g. unmanned aerial vehicles-based inspection robots), under water/liquid (via unmanned underwater vehicles), and on or inside equipment, etc. Standardization of edge computing as well as diagnosis and analysis of information acquired by robot systems also falls in the scope of the TC. This TC will coordinate with other relevant standardization organizations in the related fields, such as ISO/TC 299, and other IEC TCs which relate to industry specific applications, such as TC 82, TC 88, and TC 114. Robotics for nuclear power applications is excluded from the scope of this TC. * Robotics applied in the electric power system means robotics which is featured with a degree of autonomy that allows for assisting or even replacing human workers to complete certain tasks, such as construction, patrol, inspection, operation and maintenance of electrical equipment.
Robotique pour les systèmes de production, de transport et de distribution d'électricité
Normalisation du domaine de la robotique appliquée aux réseaux, c'est-à-dire aux centrales électriques, aux sous-stations, aux lignes de transmission et de distribution, etc., comprend principalement la terminologie, la conception, les fonctions et les performances, les méthodes d'essai, les interfaces entre les robots et les systèmes d'information, les méthodes d'exploitation et les exigences en matière de sûreté et de sécurité. Les systèmes robotisés utilisés sur les réseaux comprennent ceux qui se déplacent sur des rails, sur le sol (via des véhicules terrestres sans pilote), dans les airs (tout comme les robots d'inspection basés sur des véhicules aériens sans pilote), sous l'eau ou liquide (via des véhicules sous-marins sans pilote), et sur ou à l'intérieur des équipements, etc. La normalisation de l'informatique périphérique ainsi que le diagnostic et l'analyse des informations acquises par les systèmes robotisés entrent également dans le champ d'application du TC. Ce comité technique assurera la coordination avec d'autres organismes de normalisation pertinentes dans les domaines connexes, tel que l'ISO/TC 299, et d'autres comités techniques de l’IEC qui traitent des applications industrielles spécifiques, comme les comités techniques tels que les TC 82, 88 et 114. La robotique appliquée à l'énergie nucléaire est exclue du domaine d'application de ce TC. * La robotique appliquée au système d'énergie électrique désigne la robotique dotée d'un degré d'autonomie qui permet d'assister ou même de remplacer les opérateurs pour accomplir certaines tâches, telles que la construction, la patrouille, l'inspection, l'exploitation et la maintenance des équipements électriques.
General Information
IEC TR 63439-1-2:2026 specifies a comprehensive study of the robotic technologies in power systems, including generation, transmission, and distribution. The primary objectives are:
a) System overview and classification
Analyze current robotic applications across all power system segments (generation, transmission, and distribution), developing a comprehensive classification framework that categorizes robots by operational scenarios (substations, power lines), functional roles (inspection, repair), and environmental conditions (high-voltage zones, confined spaces).
b) Core technology assessment
Evaluate fundamental robotic technologies encompassing mobility platforms (ground robots, drones, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), navigation systems (GPS, LiDAR, vision-based), and communication networks (wired/wireless/hybrid); assess functional capabilities through multi-sensor inspection (visual, thermal, ultrasonic) and maintenance operations (live-line work, cleaning, debris removal), and examine integration aspects with power grid management systems including data protocols and cybersecurity requirements.
c) Testing and validation framework
Establish performance benchmarks for core robotic functions including autonomous navigation, inspection accuracy, and operational efficiency, while developing reliability testing methods that incorporate failure mode analysis (FMEA/FMECA) and environmental stress testing under extreme conditions.
d) Standardization roadmap
Conduct a gap analysis of current power robotics standards (including IEC/TC129) to identify deficiencies, while systematically mapping stakeholder requirements to prioritize standardization needs across hardware, software interfaces, and safety protocols; develop the roadmap with clear timelines for creating new standards, facilitating adoption, and ensuring compliance verification across the industry.
- Technical report69 pagesEnglish languagesale 15% off
IEC 63439-1-1:2025 defines terms relating to electric power robot. It defines terms used for describing classification, constitution, function, performance, safety, working environment and other topics relating to electric power robot.
This document applies to the design, production, testing, sales, application, maintenance, management, scientific research of electric power robot.
- Standard53 pagesEnglish and French languagesale 15% off
Frequently Asked Questions
TC 129 is a Technical Committee within the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is named "Robotics for electricity generation, transmission and distribution systems" and is responsible for: Standardization of robotics applied in power systems, i.e. power plants, substations, transmission and distribution lines, etc., mainly includes terminology, design, functions and performance, test methods, interfaces between robots and information systems, operation methods, and safety and security requirements. Robot systems used in power systems shall include those travelling on rails, on ground (via unmanned ground vehicles), in the air (e.g. unmanned aerial vehicles-based inspection robots), under water/liquid (via unmanned underwater vehicles), and on or inside equipment, etc. Standardization of edge computing as well as diagnosis and analysis of information acquired by robot systems also falls in the scope of the TC. This TC will coordinate with other relevant standardization organizations in the related fields, such as ISO/TC 299, and other IEC TCs which relate to industry specific applications, such as TC 82, TC 88, and TC 114. Robotics for nuclear power applications is excluded from the scope of this TC. * Robotics applied in the electric power system means robotics which is featured with a degree of autonomy that allows for assisting or even replacing human workers to complete certain tasks, such as construction, patrol, inspection, operation and maintenance of electrical equipment. This committee has published 2 standards.
TC 129 develops IEC standards in the area of Information technology. The scope of work includes: Standardization of robotics applied in power systems, i.e. power plants, substations, transmission and distribution lines, etc., mainly includes terminology, design, functions and performance, test methods, interfaces between robots and information systems, operation methods, and safety and security requirements. Robot systems used in power systems shall include those travelling on rails, on ground (via unmanned ground vehicles), in the air (e.g. unmanned aerial vehicles-based inspection robots), under water/liquid (via unmanned underwater vehicles), and on or inside equipment, etc. Standardization of edge computing as well as diagnosis and analysis of information acquired by robot systems also falls in the scope of the TC. This TC will coordinate with other relevant standardization organizations in the related fields, such as ISO/TC 299, and other IEC TCs which relate to industry specific applications, such as TC 82, TC 88, and TC 114. Robotics for nuclear power applications is excluded from the scope of this TC. * Robotics applied in the electric power system means robotics which is featured with a degree of autonomy that allows for assisting or even replacing human workers to complete certain tasks, such as construction, patrol, inspection, operation and maintenance of electrical equipment. Currently, there are 2 published standards from this technical committee.
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is the world's leading organization for the preparation and publication of international standards for electrical, electronic, and related technologies. Founded in 1906, the IEC provides a global platform for companies, industries, and governments to meet, discuss, and develop the international standards they require.
A Technical Committee (TC) in IEC is a group of experts responsible for developing international standards in a specific technical area. TCs are composed of national member body delegates and work through consensus to create standards that meet global industry needs. Each TC may have subcommittees (SCs) and working groups (WGs) for specialized topics.