Buzz and Beyond

Buzz Solutions

Buzz & Beyond is a podcast for utility leaders navigating the future of grid operations, asset management, and AI-driven innovation. Hosted by the team at Buzz Solutions, each episode features industry experts, utility practitioners, and technology leaders sharing practical insights, real-world lessons, and forward-looking strategies. From preventative maintenance and infrastructure resilience to data strategy and change management, Buzz & Beyond goes beyond the buzzwords to explore what actually works in the field. If you’re responsible for keeping critical infrastructure safe, reliable, and future-ready, this show is for you.

  1. 4d ago

    Connecting GIS & Visual AI: The Future of Utility Inspections | Buzz Solutions + Esri

    What happens when GIS and Visual AI come together to transform utility inspections?   As utilities collect more inspection imagery than ever before, the challenge is no longer just gathering data. It's connecting that information to the assets, locations, and operational decisions that matter most.   In this episode, Buzz Solutions CEO & Co-Founder Kaitlyn Albertoli joins Tom Lenzen of Esri to explore how integrating Geographic Information Systems (GIS) with Visual AI can help utilities unlock greater value from their inspection programs.   Together, they discuss the evolving role of GIS in utility infrastructure management, the impact of drone technology on inspections, and the opportunities ahead as utilities work to turn visual data into actionable intelligence.   Topics explored include: 🔸 Why connecting GIS and Visual AI matters for utilities 🔸 The evolving role of GIS in utility inspections 🔸 How drones are changing the way utilities collect inspection data 🔸 The relationship between Buzz Solutions and Esri 🔸 What's next for utility inspection technology over the next 12–18 months   Discover how connected inspection intelligence can help utilities move toward more informed, proactive asset management.   Connect With Us: 🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0 🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

  2. Sep 28

    Beyond the AI Hype: What’s Actually Working in Commercial Drones?

    Where is AI actually delivering value in commercial drone programs today?   Recorded live at Commercial UAV Expo (CUAV), this panel brings together industry leaders to explore how AI is moving beyond the hype and into real-world drone operations.   The conversation covers where AI is making an impact today, the importance of keeping humans in the loop, how organizations can prepare their teams to work alongside AI, and what it takes to turn growing volumes of aerial data into meaningful insights.   Buzz Solutions CTO and Co-Founder Vikhyat (Vik) Chaudhry joins Achal Negi of FlytBase, Ismar A. of Stratus Autonomous, and Desiree Ekstein of On The Go Video.biz for a wide-ranging discussion on the future of AI and commercial drones.   Vik also shares a utility perspective, including how AI can help grid operators navigate increasingly complex infrastructure, extreme weather, growing electricity demand, and the need for more intelligent inspection and asset management.   🎧 Tune in for a practical conversation about what AI can do today, where humans still play a critical role, and what comes next for AI-powered drone programs.   Topics include: AI in commercial drone operations, human-in-the-loop AI, aerial inspections, data analytics, utility infrastructure, grid modernization, and the future of autonomous operations. Connect With Us: 🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0 🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

  3. Sep 16

    Better Data, Better Decisions: Why Inspection Data Quality Matters

    What does poor inspection data really cost a utility?   In this episode of Buzz and Beyond, host Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions at Buzz Solutions, sits down with William Badnaruk, Senior Solutions Engineer, to explore why data quality is foundational to successful aerial inspection programs and AI-powered analysis.   From inconsistent image capture and motion blur to missed shots and poor resolution, seemingly small data quality issues can have an impact downstream. Brandon and William discuss how consistent, high-quality inspection data can improve AI analysis, reduce unnecessary reshoots and truck rolls, support better decision-making, and help utilities get greater ROI from their inspection programs.   They also explore how PowerAI and Data Quality AI can help utilities manage inspection data at scale, streamline workflows, and turn large volumes of visual data into actionable insights.   In this episode: 🔹 Common issues that impact aerial inspection image quality 🔹 Why consistency matters across assets and inspection cycles 🔹 How image quality impacts AI-powered analysis 🔹 The real cost of poor inspection data 🔹 How utilities can improve data collection and program standards 🔹 Using AI as a force multiplier for inspection teams 🔹 Moving from reactive inspections toward proactive and preventative maintenance   Better data doesn’t just mean better AI. It means better decisions.   Connect With Us: 🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0 🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

  4. Aug 25

    Transforming Grid Inspections: How AI Turns Images Into Action | AEP Drone Days 2026

    What happens after the flight?   In this presentation from AEP Drone Days 2026, Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions at Buzz Solutions, explores how utilities can transform inspection imagery into actionable intelligence that improves reliability, strengthens asset management, and supports better operational decisions.   Hosted by AEP Ohio at Columbus State Community College, AEP Drone Days brought together utility leaders, drone innovators, and technology providers to discuss the future of utility inspections.   In this session, Brandon shares how AI has evolved beyond simply detecting defects to becoming a trusted part of utility operations. He also walks through Buzz Solutions' work with AEP Texas, discusses what utilities should look for when evaluating AI platforms, and explains how integrating AI with GIS, asset management, and existing utility workflows helps turn inspection data into meaningful action.   In this presentation:   ⚡ What happens after the flight and why it matters ⚡ The evolution of AI for utility inspections ⚡ Building trust in AI-powered inspection programs ⚡ Lessons learned from Buzz Solutions' AEP Texas case study ⚡ Evaluating AI platforms for long-term success ⚡ Integrating AI with GIS and utility workflows to improve reliability   Speaker: Brandon Bozarth Director of Solutions, Buzz Solutions   Event: AEP Drone Days 2026 Host: AEP Ohio Location: Columbus State Community College Presentation Date: July 23, 2026   Connect With Us: 🚀 Request a demo today! Demos sign up: https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0 🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

  5. Aug 12

    Cybersecurity & AI: What Every Utility Needs to Know | Buzz & Beyond

    As utilities adopt AI to modernize inspections and improve grid reliability, cybersecurity has become one of the most important considerations when evaluating new technology.   In this episode of Buzz & Beyond, Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions at Buzz Solutions, is joined by Senior Solutions Engineer Jon Day to discuss the cybersecurity questions they hear most often from utility customers. Together, they explore common misconceptions about AI, what utilities should look for in a secure AI platform, and the standards and best practices that help protect critical infrastructure.   Whether you're evaluating AI vendors or simply looking to better understand cybersecurity in utility operations, this conversation offers practical insights into building trust, protecting sensitive data, and deploying AI responsibly.   In this episode: Why cybersecurity is a top priority for utilities adopting AI The difference between generative AI and computer vision AI Common questions utilities ask about data privacy How customer data is protected Cloud security and encryption best practices The importance of SOC 2, ISO 27001, and secure infrastructure What utilities should evaluate before selecting an AI vendor   Host: Brandon Bozarth, Director of Solutions, Buzz Solutions   Guest: Jon Day, Senior Solutions Engineer, Buzz Solutions   Connect With Us: 🚀 Request a demo today! https://hubs.li/Q03zr2x-0 🔗 Learn more about Buzz Solutions: https://www.buzzsolutions.co ⚡ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/buzzsolutionsinc./

About

Buzz & Beyond is a podcast for utility leaders navigating the future of grid operations, asset management, and AI-driven innovation. Hosted by the team at Buzz Solutions, each episode features industry experts, utility practitioners, and technology leaders sharing practical insights, real-world lessons, and forward-looking strategies. From preventative maintenance and infrastructure resilience to data strategy and change management, Buzz & Beyond goes beyond the buzzwords to explore what actually works in the field. If you’re responsible for keeping critical infrastructure safe, reliable, and future-ready, this show is for you.