Specialized drones together with an experienced team enable us to inspect hard-to-reach and dangerous areas such as sewers, which can hardly be inspected by humans due to the high risk of accidents, the high volume of dirty water, the small diameter of the pipes and the accumulation of dangerous gasses.

Why use a special drone for confined spaces?

These drones are specifically designed for use in an environment without GPS and have their own light, optical and IR sensors for positioning and stable flight without having to worry about drifting.

Elios 3 is one of the best drones that can work in confined spaces. In its third generation, it has amazing stabilization technology that can withstand hard-to-inspect environments, and also the number of sensors helps us inspect and create an accurate 3D point cloud of the sewer system.

Technology Integrated into the drone

The UAV is equipped with three primary sensors, each playing a critical role in inspections and data collection:

  1. RGB camera – This camera enables the pilot to control the drone and visually inspect the designated area. Problems can be identified in real-time, and locations can be marked for further analysis. The integrated lighting system ensures optimal visibility, while the 4K video footage provides exceptional quality;
  2. Thermal imaging camera – This sensor detects thermal anomalies, such as hot or cold water leaks, rodent infestations, or heat losses in pipes, aiding in early detection of issues;
  3. LiDAR sensor – The LiDAR sensor creates a 3D point cloud during the visual inspection, which can be used for measurements and generating a comprehensive map of the sewer system. These data sets can be integrated with other surface-level data for a holistic understanding.

Advantages of Using Specialized Drones for Underground Inspections:

  • Enhanced Accessibility: Drones can inspect areas inaccessible to human teams or traditional technologies;
  • Improved Safety: They eliminate the need for personnel to be exposed to hazardous environments such as toxic gases or confined spaces;
  • Efficiency: Drones can quickly and accurately cover extensive areas, significantly reducing time and costs;
  • Superior Data Quality: Advanced sensor systems ensure the capture of detailed and precise data, enabling thorough and accurate analysis;
  • Integration with Other Technologies: LiDAR data captured by drones can be combined with surface-level datasets for a complete understanding of the relationship between underground and surface structures.

Why choosing a team to make this kind of inspection?

Operating drones in confined spaces requires advanced skills and meticulous planning. Here’s why an experienced team is essential:

  1. Risk Minimization: A skilled pilot reduces the risk of accidents or drone loss, particularly in challenging environments;
  2. Optimal Planning: A professional team can plan and execute efficient flights, ensuring full coverage of the inspected area and generating accurate maps;
  3. Managing Challenges: Debris, high temperatures, and air currents can impact drone performance, but an experienced operator can manage these situations effectively;
  4. Advanced Data Processing: Analyzing and interpreting collected data requires specialized expertise to achieve the best results;
  5. Time-Saving: Inspections conducted by professionals are faster and more precise, enabling quick identification of issues and implementation of solutions.
Elios 3 lowered into sewer for inspection

By leveraging specialized drones and advanced technologies, sewer inspections can be transformed into a safe, efficient, and highly accurate process. These solutions represent the future of underground infrastructure management, helping prevent failures and maintain optimal system functionality.

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