Advancements in Compact Drones -For Industrial Inspection
In today’s fast-paced world, drone technology continues to evolve, transforming various industries with its innovative applications. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of compact drones and their vital role in the continuous and autonomous inspection of chimneys, shafts, and tanks. These versatile drones, designed to manoeuvre through confined spaces, are revolutionizing industrial inspection processes in sectors such as sewer management, hydropower plants, oil & gas, and chemical plants.
Meet Flybotix: A Visionary in Drone Technology
Founded in 2019 by experienced engineers Samir Bouabdallah and Alexandre Cherpillod, Flybotix has been at the forefront of the robotics and drone technology revolution. Recognizing the need for efficient indoor inspection, the co-founders set out to create drones that prioritize human safety and minimize downtime in industrial processes.
Embracing Innovation for Compact Drones:
The journey of drone technology advancement has been an exciting one. The advent of Lithium Polymer batteries in the early 2000s significantly increased flight times, making electric drones more practical for real-world missions. The transition from brushed to brushless DC motors further enhanced quadcopter designs, providing higher torque and reliability. Subsequently, stabilization and navigation improvements based on GPS and vision-based systems transformed the drone landscape.
Flybotix’s Unique Approach:
Flybotix’s ambition to focus on tight location flight led them away from traditional quadcopters. Recognizing that smaller quadcopters sacrificed stability, they opted for a helicopter approach with just two rotors. This innovation enabled them to decrease the drone’s size and weight while maintaining stability – a key factor in confined-space inspections.
Next-Generation Challenges:
As industries increasingly digitize and integrate their operations, inspection drones must adapt. To provide detailed inspection data for analysis, drones require an increased number of sensors. Alongside reliability and robustness in diverse environments, long flight times and autonomous capabilities are vital challenges. The integration of artificial intelligence promises to reduce human intervention, empowering drones for a wider range of applications.
Flybotix’s Ongoing Upgrades:
Flybotix remains dedicated to upgrading its drones, with a strong focus on electronics integration and safety under challenging conditions. Their ASIO lightweight drone features a patented propulsion system, oblique lighting, a true 4K, 12-megapixel camera, and a radiometric infrared imagery system. Boasting an extended flight time of up to 24 minutes, this drone leads the way in inspection capabilities.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Miniaturization:
Artificial intelligence continues to revolutionize drone navigation, allowing them to perform intricate tasks autonomously. As miniaturization progresses, Flybotix aims to expand its drone applications, enabling seamless inspection in various industrial settings, including packaging and high-speed assembly systems.
A Key Partnership with maxon:
To achieve its vision, Flybotix collaborated with maxon, a leading motion control company. Drawing from their experience in extreme environments, maxon developed a modified brushless DC motor tailor-made for the ASIO drone. The high torque capabilities and lightweight design contribute to extended battery life, meeting the drone’s demanding requirements.
Compact drones are transforming industrial inspection, thanks to visionary companies like Flybotix and their strategic partnerships with motor manufacturers like maxon. As technology continues to advance, the potential for innovation is limitless. With continuous upgrades and a commitment to excellence, Flybotix paves the way for safer, more efficient industrial inspections, benefitting numerous industries worldwide.