Webinar: Future of Automated Drones

The future is moving to automation, and drones are no different.

Full drone automation is now more than ever becoming accessible to every organisation using drones. This presents both an opportunity and a threat. This level of automation will disrupt the industry as we know it - so we need to be prepare to capitalise, not perish. 

Join our host Dr. David Cole as he dives into the reality of this future, and what you should be doing to prepare for what's coming.

Watch the full video below:

About the host:

Dr. David Cole

Founder & CEO of FlyFreely

Dr David Cole has been actively involved in the drone industry for 10 years. Prior to this he worked as a consulting engineer in the mining sector. Dr Cole holds a BEng(Mech) and PhD from James Cook University. David is now the CEO & Co-founder of FlyFreely, a Drone Management Platform that helps commercial drone operators manage all aspects of operations, compliance and fleet management.

Summary of content

Automated operations are going beyond the visual line of sight and eliminate the need for constant human supervision, allowing drones to perform tasks remotely and autonomously. This article aims to summarize the key points Dave discussed during the presentation, including applications, benefits, challenges, and the future of automated drone operations.

Applications of Automated Drone Operations

Dave highlighted various applications of automated drone operations, ranging from simple routes for security patrols and surveillance to complex routes for infrastructure asset inspections and emergency response. These applications streamline processes, eliminate travel time and setup, and automate data management, leading to potential time savings of up to 75% for pilots.

Benefits of Automated Drone Operations

Automated operations offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency and cost savings. By streamlining processes and automating tasks, businesses can save time and resources. Dave also discussed the economic viability of automated operations, citing savings in regulatory approval costs and hardware costs. A return on investment calculator demonstrated substantial savings using automated drone operations.

Challenges and Risks

While the industry is moving towards automated operations, there are challenges that need to be overcome. Technical issues, proper site setup, and air risk management are some of the risks associated with implementation. Dave also mentioned the potential reduction in the number of pilots required and the need for specialized remote pilots.

The Future of Automated Drone Operations

Automated drone operations represent an exciting time for the industry, with opportunities for disruption and adaptation. Dave discussed the ongoing development of remote capabilities and the need for hands-on maintenance, which varies depending on the manufacturer. The integration of different systems and the importance of reliable communications and connectivity were also highlighted.

Potential Applications and Developments

There are various potential applications for drone box solutions, such as larger drones for long linear asset applications in the agricultural sector. However, regulatory approval for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations is still uncertain. The implementation of radio systems for remote monitoring and control, as well as weather monitoring systems for safe operations, were also mentioned.

Conclusion

Automated drone operations offer significant benefits in terms of efficiency and cost savings. Despite the challenges and risks associated with implementation, the industry is moving towards a future where drones can operate autonomously with minimal human oversight. Businesses and pilots need to embrace the opportunities and adapt to the changes brought by automation. The development of drone box solutions and the integration of different systems will play a crucial role in the future of automated drone operations.