Infrastructure
Bridges, tunnels, culverts, clearwells, MS4 pipes and sewer systems are all prime candidates for remote inspection by drone. This provides for enhanced employee safety by not exposing them to heights or dangerous confined spaces, as well as faster collection of data and more detailed analysis.
Manufacturing
Tanks, boilers, chimneys, crane rails, pipe racks and various other industrial assets can all now be inspected by drone. Additionally, some manufacturers are now creating digital twins of their production lines. This provides opportunities for optimization, predictive maintenance, and integration into Industry 4.0 initiatives.
Construction
The construction industry has been an early adopter of drone technology and its usage has expanded as new capabilities are developed. Tasks such as site surveying and mapping, progress monitoring and reporting, environmental and compliance adherence, are all made easier with drones.
Maritime
Ship inspections are time-consuming and costly. Drones are used to inspect hard-to-reach areas of ships, such as hulls, cargo holds, and superstructures, saving time and reducing risks to human inspectors. Drones are also used to inspect port infrastructure, such as cranes, docks, and underwater structures, with specialized underwater drones (ROVs)
Solar and Wind
Drones equipped with infrared cameras can identify defective or underperforming solar panels by detecting anomalies in temperature, indicating issues like hot spots or cracks.
Agriculture
Drones equipped with multispectral or thermal cameras can capture detailed images of fields, highlighting areas affected by stress, pests, or disease.
Mining
With the US ramping up mining operations, drones are being used extensively to increase safety in this dangerous industry. Open pit mines use drones for aerial surveys and volume calculations.
Oil & Gas
The oil and gas industry was also an early adopter of drone technology. Monitoring miles of pipelines for signs of leaks, corrosion or damage is a primary benefit.
Nuclear
Probably the single most obvious use case for drones is the nuclear industry. Who would ever send a human into a potentially radioactive confined space when a drone can do the job?
