Review of Key Technologies and Engineering Applications of AI-Enabled Intelligent De-Icing Robots

Abstract

: Affected by global extreme climates, ice-covering disasters occur frequently, posing a significant threat to the safe and stable operation of power transmission lines, wind turbine generators, high-speed railway contact nets, and airport infrastructure. The traditional ice removal methods generally have problems such as high risks associated with high-altitude operations, low ice-removal efficiency, and insufficient adaptability to extreme conditions. Based on this, this paper comprehensively reviews the research progress and engineering applications of AI-enabled intelligent de-icing robots, thereby providing theoretical guidance and technical support for future technology optimization and large-scale engineering applications. Focusing on the “perception–decision–execution” technical framework of intelligent de-icing robots, the key technologies, including multi-source information fusion perception, intelligent ice-condition identification, autonomous path planning and motion control, reinforcement learning-based decision-making, and composite de-icing actuators, are comprehensively analyzed. Typical engineering applications in power transmission lines, wind turbine blades, high-speed railway catenary systems, and civil aviation airports are also reviewed and evaluated. The integration of artificial intelligence technologies significantly enhances the environmental perception, autonomous decision-making, and adaptability of intelligent de-icing robots under complex operating conditions, enabling the transition from manual operation to autonomous de-icing. These technologies effectively improve operational safety, efficiency, and intelligence levels. At present, intelligent de-icing robots have been successfully applied in the power, transportation, and renewable energy sectors, demonstrating promising engineering performance. Intelligent de-icing robots have become an important technological approach for improving the anti-icing and de-icing capabilities of critical infrastructures and exhibit broad application prospects. However, significant challenges remain in complex environments, adaptability to extreme operating conditions, energy supply and endurance, and the establishment of technical