Example from DunsterpublishedPosted Nov 7, 2026

Hazard-zone switching and inspection without a person in the room

Utilities: electricity and gasSwitching and manipulation in hazardous areasInspection in hazardous areasMeasurement, inspection and testingSeveral sitesWithin 6 months

Example post. Dunster conceived this use case as a builder-side idea it hopes to build out for potential end users; it is not a real end-user post. Examples are excluded from counts and cannot become priced RFQs.

The need, in one paragraph

An operator of electrical infrastructure wants switching and inspection in energized or explosive-atmosphere rooms done by a robot that a trained operator drives from a safe room. First stage is switching (operating breakers and disconnects), second is routine inspection rounds, third is supervised autonomy for the routine parts.

Dossier

Goal

No person in the arc-flash or explosive-atmosphere zone during switching or inspection, with the operator in control from a safe room and a complete video and sensor record of every operation.

What hurts today

In 2024 the US recorded about 130 deaths from contact with electricity at work and roughly 5,180 injuries; explosions added about 93 deaths. Switching in energized rooms, and inspection rounds in data centers, chemical plants and substations, put a person in the hazard for routine work. The operator wants a robot that fits existing rooms and existing procedures, driven by its own qualified staff, with autonomy only where it has been proven.

The process, step by step

Switching: operate breakers, disconnects and racking mechanisms under a written switching order.
Inspection: walk a route, read gauges and indicators, thermal and acoustic checks, report anomalies.
Autonomy: repeat the proven inspection route without an operator at the controls, with a person on call.

Objects: Breaker handles, racking cranks, disconnect switches, doors, gauges, indicator lights, thermal signatures.
Variability: Rooms, switchgear vintages and handle types differ across sites; procedures are strict and documented.
Presentation: in fixture
Required outcome: Every switching step executed as ordered and recorded; inspection reports with readings and images; no unplanned contact with equipment.
Rate: Tens of switching operations a month per site; daily inspection rounds.
Environment: substation
People nearby: Separated: guarding keeps people out
Sites: 12
Shifts per day: 3
People on the task: 6

Comments and proposals

Comments are public. Builders can post a proposal: how they would break the need into parts and who would lead. Prices never go here; a priced RFQ collects sealed bids.

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