Lee Corbin (Linebird)

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Overview

Lee Corbin is a prominent figure in the field of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and the utility industry, serving as the Vice President of Customer Development at Linebird. He has an extensive background as an aerial lineman, thermographer, and utility drone pilot. At Linebird, Corbin played a significant role in developing innovative drone solutions that enhance the safety and efficiency of power line maintenance. Linebird's notable achievement, the Osprey Nonconductive Payload System, enables drones to perform contact testing and measurement of live infrastructure, impacting the utility industry significantly.

Recent Developments

  • June 2023: Linebird announced a strategic collaboration with MissionGO, Inc. to provide advanced UAS services and training for electrical utility operations. This partnership aims to leverage MissionGO's drone solutions expertise and Linebird's UAV payload equipment to offer enhanced inspection capabilities for power grids.

  • July 2024: Linebird continued to expand its UAS capabilities by participating in various industry events, showcasing its advanced drone technologies that reduce hazardous exposure and improve infrastructure accessibility.

  • Development of New Tools: Linebird is developing advanced tools like drone-mounted wire cutters, expected to be available by Q3 2023, which will provide significant advantages in utility maintenance, especially during power outages.

Personal Information

AttributeInformation
Full NameAlvin "Lee" Corbin
BornPalmyra, New Jersey, United States
NationalityAmerican
OccupationVice President, Customer Development at Linebird
Known ForInnovations in drone use in utility maintenance
EducationBackground in aerial lineman and utility drone operations

Early Life and Education

Lee Corbin hails from Palmyra, New Jersey, where his early years were influenced by a keen interest in engineering and technology. Corbin's early career began as an aerial lineman, a role that equipped him with practical insights into the challenges faced in utility maintenance. His educational pursuits were focused on gaining technical skills pertinent to the energy sector, which enabled him to transition into roles that required high-level problem-solving capabilities. Over the years, Corbin's experiences as a thermographer and licensed UAS pilot have bolstered his expertise in developing innovative solutions for the utility industry.

Career and Notable Achievements

Lee Corbin's career is highlighted by his pivotal role at Linebird, where he served as Vice President of Customer Development:

  • Development of Linebird's Core Technology: Collaborated with Michael Beiro in inventing Linebird’s core concept, which led to the launch of the Osprey Nonconductive Payload System for safe utility line maintenance.
  • Strategic Partnerships: Played a key role in securing vital partnerships such as with MissionGO to advance UAS solutions for inspection in electrical utilities.

Current Work and Impact

Currently, Lee Corbin continues to innovate at Linebird, focusing on expanding the company’s toolkit for utility line maintenance. His leadership in customer and business development ensures that Linebird remains at the forefront of revolutionizing utility inspections through advanced turnkey drone solutions. Corbin's efforts have significantly reduced hazardous man-hours in utility maintenance, thereby setting new safety and efficiency standards in the industry.

Conclusion

Lee Corbin's contributions to the field of drone technology in utility maintenance demonstrate his commitment to enhancing industrial safety and operational efficiency. As the UAS landscape continues to evolve, his innovations promise to influence future advancements in infrastructure inspection and maintenance. Through his work with Linebird, Corbin has cemented a legacy of innovation that will likely foster continued growth and transformation within the utility sector, impacting how electricity networks are constructed, maintained, and inspected.