How China’s military weapons inspired invention of a laser cannon to clean power lines
Experts warn, however, that the device trialled in Guangdong province could pose a danger to people and even passing aircraft
Workers are using a “laser cannon” to remove objects tangled in overhead power lines in southern China, according to Chinese media reports.
The device saves staff from the highly dangerous task of climbing among high-voltage cables to remove objects blown into the lines.
Experts, however, have warned that the technology could pose a danger to people in the area if poorly aimed – and even to passing aircraft.
The Chinese-developed laser cannon was based on similar devices used by the military, according to a report on a website run by the government’s National Energy Administration.
The device uses carbon dioxide to create a laser beam, which can burn and destroy objects tangled high in power lines such as plastic and fabric.
The laser cannon was designed at China Southern Power Grid.
The lead developer Cai Xiaofeng was quoted as saying that he was reading a military magazine when he realised the potential of the technology to deal with junk on power lines. “If a laser can shot down a satellite or missile, why not debris on a power line?” he said.