Don’t panic if you see a snake on a Chinese power line. It might be a robot

Robotic snakes are being used in Kunming, southwestern China, to inspect power lines. Developed by the power supply bureau of Kunming's Guandu district, these snakelike robots spiral around power lines to detect hazards like broken wires, worn components, and abnormal temperatures. This initiative is aimed at ensuring a stable power supply during the national college entrance exam. The robotic snakes have already inspected over 130 kilometers of power distribution lines supplying exam sites near airport no-fly zones. The developer stated that the robotic snake inspections were three times more efficient than manual work.