Palo Alto-based Sharper Shape, the global market leader of automated drone-based asset inspections, and Sterlite Power have announced a strategic partnership to provide drone inspection services for utility assets in India.

As part of the cooperation, Sterlite Power will make a minority investment into Sharper Shape to foster Indian market growth and continued technology development. This further cements the relationship between the two companies after the two signed a partnership agreement in February in the presence of the Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipilä in Mumbai during the Make in India week to deliver cutting-edge drone technologies for the power transmission industry.

Sterlite Power and Sharper Shape are currently awaiting approvals from India's Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for large-scale, long-distance drone flights to inspect utility assets. Long-distance drone flights could provide significant benefits by enabling a safe, efficient and fast method of inspection.

"We are delighted to partner with Sharper Shape in bringing automated asset management to the Indian power transmission industry. Drones are tranforming the way in which infrastructure is built and maintained. Sterlite Power is committed to solving the toughest challenges of energy delivery. We are proud to contribute towards India's vision for a 24X7 power-for-all," said Pratik Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, Sterlite Power.

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