WHY CHOOSE DRONES?
Using drones for inspection is a relatively new idea. Let’s examine why companies across many industries are making this significant shift in how they perform their inspection processes…
INCREASED SAFETY
Employee safety is a mission-critical aspect of any company’s operations. In confined space inspections, visual data-capture by an unmanned UAV replaces the need for human entry in environments that pose risks to health and safety.
REDUCED DOWNTIME
Downtime can be a huge hit to your bottom line. Traditional inspection by human entry requires costly procedures and paperwork that result in a slower, more drawn-out inspection timeline. By using drones for visual data-capture, you eliminate the need for:
- Scaffolding
- Rope Access & Bosun Chairs
- Paperwork & Procedures for Human Entry
- Confined Space Rescue (CSR) Teams

BETTER QUALITY DATA
We have come a long way from inspectors hanging off ladders, ropes or scaffolding, jotting down notes and taking still photos. Today’s confined space drones come equipped with powerful lighting and 4K cameras that capture high-definition video and stills. Additionally, the higher end units also have LiDAR, allowing for extremely detailed data capture that enables creation of digital twins for whatever asset is being inspected. Radiation and gas detection are also options, and first generation ultrasound thickness testing (for tank wall and pipe measurements) is now available too.

REDUCED COST
Not only a safer alternative to traditional methods, drones are also a more economical option for confined space inspection. Using drones for confined space data-capture allows companies to inspect their assets more efficiently, with much fewer procedures and obstacles. By eliminating the need for scaffolding, CSR teams, and confined space entry procedures, companies can save money while improving their inspection operations.

It’s not a matter of if drones will become the status quo in confined space inspection, it’s a matter of when.