The benefits of drone technology are well known. From the speed at which a drone inspection can be carried out to the reduced costs of operating a drone survey.
But where are drones becoming the preferred choice and replacing the need for putting human life at risk?
With the rising accessibility of drones and the rapidly developing autonomy technologies of these amazing aerial vehicles, the ability for them to perform complex tasks that can replace the most dangerous jobs in the UK commercial sector means that the list is constantly growing. But here is a current list of sectors within the UK that are harnessing the power and benefits of drones and aerial inspection work.
Conservation
With environmental impacts of global warming creating new and constantly changing landscapes, drones can be used to conduct 3D modelling and recording data to monitor changing landscapes in the UK.
Disease Control
It is not just humans who have to worry about viruses and diseases being transported from abroad. Nature is equally at risk from foreign bacteria and viruses. Drone inspections of forests can monitor the spread and growth of diseases in trees and other plant-life.
On the human side of things. Drones can now be equipped with fogging systems to provide aerial cleaning solutions to prevent the spread of viruses like Covid-19.
Agriculture
As the population goes up, so too does the demand for increased yields in farming. Drones can be used to help monitor and predict potential harvests. There is even drone development in to flower pollination as a way of compensating for a declining bee population.
Shipping
Underwater drones can inspect ship hulls and underwater structures in ports quickly and safely during live operational windows. In Holland and Denmark, aerial drones are actually being used to spot ships that are committing emissions infractions.
Chemical Industry
Using drones to inspect chemical facility key production facility assets rather than having to send in an inspection team means that vital inspections are being conducted quicker, more safely and at a reduced cost.
Energy
We talk a lot about the number of uses for drone inspection in the oil & gas and Wind energy sectors. But energy as a whole benefits from the regular, detailed inspection of key assets by drones. From wind turbines to solar panels. Drones with the right thermal sensors can be used to detect leaks in pipelines quicker than conventional inspection teams could even dream of.
Construction
From monitoring the ongoing construction development of projects to stock control of raw materials used on construction sites. Software can be used to analyse progress of a site while drones are now being used more and more for ground surveying alternatives.
Infrastructure
Similar to the construction industry, drones can be used to survey new sites, inspect bridges and be used for emergency response. Using aerial drones to conduct infrastructure on road, rail and footpaths can save huge amounts on associated costs.
Insurance
Roof Inspection, Building Structure Inspection and even leak detection can all be provided with drones. By spotting issues early, it can save considerably on damage and repair costs and is becoming a firm favourite for insurance firms. Drones can spot issues early and while these issues still require a roofer or building contractor, UAVs are beginning to offer a real alternative to traditional inspection teams.
Telecommunication
From radio towers to data towers. The need for the world to communicate makes these vital links in the chain. And regular drone inspections of communication towers is becoming a vital day to day part of the industry.
Find out more
If you would like to know how drones can be used for your commercial sector, please contact our head office today. At Balmore, we are an award winning drone inspection provider, offering our services to the energy, infrastructure, utilities and transportation sectors. With offices in Glasgow and Edinburgh, we offer our drone inspection services nationwide.
