WThink supported a 2×660MW thermal power plant with a 5G robot inspection system that combines inspection robots, 5G connectivity, AI vision analysis, meter recognition, temperature monitoring, leak detection, and VR remote assistance.
Project background
The thermal power plant includes dense production areas, a booster station, multiple equipment zones, and a large number of inspection points. Traditional manual inspection depended heavily on operator experience, and records often varied between shifts.
Some inspection areas also involve high temperature, high noise, dense equipment, and operational safety risks. The customer needed a more standardized inspection method that could increase inspection frequency, improve data consistency, and reduce repeated personnel entry into higher-risk areas.
The goal was to build an intelligent inspection workflow that connects robots, 5G communication, AI visual analysis, task management, reports, and remote expert support.
5G robot inspection workflow
WThink introduced inspection robots equipped with visible-light cameras, infrared sensing, and environmental sensing payloads. The robots follow preset routes and inspection points to collect meter readings, switch status, indicator lights, equipment appearance, temperature data, and pipe conditions.
Through 5G communication, high-definition video, telemetry, and control data are transmitted back to the inspection platform in real time. AI vision analysis helps identify meter readings, device status, temperature anomalies, pipe leakage, and visible equipment abnormalities.
When field judgment is required, remote experts can use HD video and VR-assisted views to support on-site teams, reducing communication delays and improving response efficiency.
Key capabilities
Robot route inspection
Robots follow planned routes and cycles to inspect meters, switches, indicators, equipment surfaces, and operating areas.
5G communication
5G supports video transmission, telemetry, remote monitoring, task adjustment, and robot control during inspection.
AI vision analysis
AI recognizes meter readings, indicator status, switch positions, temperature anomalies, leakage, and equipment appearance issues.
VR remote assistance
Remote experts can review site conditions through HD video and VR-assisted tools to support faster diagnosis and handling.
Project value
The system standardizes repetitive inspection tasks and reduces record differences caused by operator experience. Images, readings, temperatures, alarms, and task results are stored in the platform, creating a stronger data foundation for trend comparison and predictive maintenance.
By assigning robots to high-frequency inspection work, the plant can reduce personnel exposure to high-temperature, high-noise, and equipment-dense areas. Abnormal information can also be reviewed remotely, making cross-discipline collaboration and expert support more efficient.
Higher inspection frequency
Robots can perform routine inspection tasks on planned routes and cycles, improving coverage and consistency.
Consistent inspection data
Images, readings, temperatures, alarms, and reports are stored in one structured platform for easier comparison.
Lower field exposure
Personnel enter high-temperature, high-noise, or higher-risk areas less often during routine inspection work.
Remote expert support
HD video and VR-assisted views help experts support field teams without repeated site visits.
This 2×660MW thermal power plant case shows how 5G robot inspection can improve inspection frequency, data consistency, remote collaboration, and operational safety. By combining inspection robots, 5G communication, AI vision analysis, and VR remote assistance, WThink helped the customer build a smarter inspection workflow for complex production environments.
