Compared with the robot navigation mode, an intelligent robot inspection system for substation based on laser navigation technology is introduced to meet the new requirements of UHV substation equipment inspection. The structure function definitions, task execution of the system are discussed. The result of taking visible light picture, reading instruments data, detecting infrared thermal image by robot are compared with traditional inspection result. The practical results indicated that the inspection system can adapt the UHV substation circumstances which have numerous equipments and complex structure. Owing to long time endurance and accurate detection method, this system guarantees the reliability of equipment inspection, and provides strong support for daily operation and maintenance management of UHV substation. Finally, suggestions and improvement measures on robot system operation are provided.