KDDI, Terra Drone launch drone asset inspection service
In this article (5)
Japan’s KDDI and industrial drone solutions provider Terra Drone have jointly launched a new drone inspection services for industrial infrastructure.
The jointly developed solution involves using a drone to generate a 3D, high resolution model of heavy industrial assets such as wind turbines, telecom and transmission steel towers, smokestacks, and bridges.
The drone will use the model to determine which components should be inspected, allowing the drone to shoot the inspection points from optimal angles and range designated by the Terra Inspection software.
It uses mobile networks to transmit data back to inspection crews and to allow operators to remotely plan flight paths based on weather databases and maps.
The solution also has potential applications in areas beyond asset inspection, such as large area surveillance, land surveying or precision farming.
KDDI and Terra Drone jointly developed the underlying Smart Drone platform, and have developed a number of solutions based on the platform since 2016.
Questions & Answers
Q.What kind of assets will this new drone inspection service be used for?
What kind of assets will this new drone inspection service be used for?
The service will focus on heavy industrial assets including wind turbines, telecommunication and transmission steel towers, smokestacks, and bridges. It generates a 3D, high-resolution model of these structures for inspection.
Q.How does the drone determine which parts of an asset need inspecting and how to film them?
How does the drone determine which parts of an asset need inspecting and how to film them?
The drone uses a generated 3D model of the asset to identify inspection points. Terra Inspection software then directs the drone to shoot these specific points from optimal angles and distances, ensuring thorough coverage.
Q.How do inspection crews receive data from the drones and manage their operations remotely?
How do inspection crews receive data from the drones and manage their operations remotely?
Drones transmit data to inspection crews using mobile networks. Operators can also use these networks to remotely plan flight paths, incorporating information from weather databases and detailed maps for safe and efficient operations.
Q.Beyond asset inspection, what other uses are anticipated for this drone technology?
Beyond asset inspection, what other uses are anticipated for this drone technology?
The solution has potential for various other applications, including large area surveillance, land surveying, and precision farming. This indicates a broader utility beyond its primary industrial inspection purpose.
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