Relying on an actual project of 500 kV smart substation， based on scale invariant feature transform（SIFT）， Hough transform and k -NN algorithm， a specific intelligent robot used for substation is proposed and implemented. The intelligent robot can automatically identify the position status of breakers and various isolated switches. In the meantime， the standard modeling of status information of breakers and isolated switches based on IEC 61850 standard is achieved so as to implement seamless communication link with the module of switching operation in monitor background of substation. It creates the preconditions for implementing one-touch intelligent sequential control of switch operation in outdoor open-wide type smart substations and implementing unmanned substation and remote operation. In addition， preliminary study and exploration on restoration of the distorted image of breakers and isolated switches under inclement weather conditions is given. The validity and high efficiency of the algorithm are verified by the actual project of a 500 kV smart substation.