A Groundbreaking Way to Break Ground

While the exact cause of this year’s California wildfires is still uncertain, some have cast suspicion on above-ground power lines, believing them to be at least a contributing factor. It is well-known, after all, that falling trees and other hazards can generate sparks when they interact with power lines, which can set already dry vegetation ablaze. Utility companies frequently take proactive measures like tree trimming and conducting regular inspections to prevent this type of disaster, but these actions are more of a band-aid than a solution.

To truly eliminate the risk of sparking a fire, power lines need to be buried underground. In some high-risk areas, that is exactly what has been done. However, at up to ten times the cost of installing above-ground lines, undergrounding is not always practically possible. The expenses associated with excavation, installation, backfilling, and damage to existing infrastructure is often too great to bear.

Power distribution may be safer in the future, however, thanks to a clever idea developed by researchers at Case Western Reserve University. They are working on a new robotic undergrounding solution inspired by earthworms, aiming to reduce costs and logistical challenges associated with burying power lines. Unlike traditional methods such as open trenching and horizontal directional drilling (HDD), which require extensive digging and specialized equipment, this robotic system operates with minimal disruption.

The innovation, called a peristaltic conduit installation system, uses a self-propelled robotic sleeve that moves through soil in a manner similar to how earthworms burrow. The robot's segmented body expands and contracts in a coordinated motion, anchoring itself against the soil as it progresses. This mechanism enables it to navigate around obstacles more precisely than conventional drilling methods, which often require large turning radii and significant force to push through the ground.

Unlike HDD, which must bore through an entire path before pulling power conduits through, this robotic system lays conduit as it moves forward. This integrated approach reduces installation time and minimizes the chances of disrupting existing underground infrastructure, such as water pipes and fiber optic cables. Additionally, the robotic sleeve requires less force to operate than traditional drilling methods, making it more energy-efficient and potentially more cost-effective.

The research team is collaborating with multiple institutions to refine the design and improve its efficiency. Experts in geotechnical engineering, sediment interactions, and underground modeling are contributing to the development of the system. While it is still in the experimental phase, researchers hope that the technology will soon be ready for real-world implementation.

If successful, this robotic burrowing system could transform how power lines are installed, making undergrounding a more practical and widespread solution for preventing wildfire-related disasters. With reduced costs, minimal surface disruption, and increased efficiency, this technology has the potential to reshape the future of electrical infrastructure, enhancing safety and reliability around the world.