Companies Embracing Diversification in Robotics Technology, States Latest Study on Drone-Utilizing Businesses
In the rapidly evolving world of industrial automation, companies are turning to robots for inspections, revolutionizing safety, efficiency, and precision across various sectors. This transformation is not limited to a single type of robot, as companies opt for ground-based, aerial, and underwater robots to suit their unique needs.
Ground-based Robots are increasingly being equipped with thermal cameras and sensors, enabling them to perform autonomous thermal inspections. These robots are instrumental in detecting early faults such as overheating, gas leaks, or structural anomalies in critical infrastructure like oil refineries, electrical substations, and power plants. By automating challenging tasks, these robots improve predictive maintenance, reduce human exposure to dangerous environments, optimize operational efficiency, and contribute to energy savings and sustainability [1].
In the industrial manufacturing and rail sectors, ground-based robotic inspection systems leverage advanced technologies such as ultrasonic testing with phased array matrix probes. For instance, in the rail industry, fully automated ground-based robots inspect dismantled train wheels by positioning sensors precisely while the wheels rotate, delivering more reliable, faster inspections with minimal manual intervention, thus reducing cycle times and ensuring regulatory compliance [2].
Aerial robots, more commonly known as drones, are another essential tool in the robotic inspection arsenal. Equipped with high-quality cameras and sensors, these drones conduct inspections of infrastructure at heights or in hazardous zones, eliminating the need for scaffolding or rope access. They capture detailed visual data in places that are otherwise hard or risky to access, enabling safer, faster inspection workflows combined with expert technician analysis [3].
Underwater robots or Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) perform inspections in submerged or confined areas that are inaccessible or unsafe for human divers. Using visual and sensor data, these underwater robots inspect pipelines, vessel hulls, or underwater structures remotely, enhancing safety, reducing the need for confined space entry, and speeding up inspection cycles [3].
Some companies integrate AI and automation platforms with these robotic inspection tools to enhance capabilities like weld inspection and workpiece feasibility analysis through automated planning and execution, thereby reducing operational costs and times [4].
A multi-modal robotic approach enhances inspection accuracy, operator safety, and operational uptime across energy, transport, manufacturing, and critical infrastructure sectors [1][2][3][4].
Interestingly, a recent study by DroneAnalyst found that marine drones are not commonly used by companies with drone programs. However, companies with drone programs have already purchased at least one other type of robot, with ground-based robots being the most commonly purchased [5]. In fact, a significant number of companies use quadruped systems like Boston Dynamics' Spot robot, which is seeing large-scale adoption for inspections and can autonomously enter an area to collect data [6].
Flyability's Elios 3, designed for inspections in confined spaces, is another example of the diverse range of robots being used [7]. As the demand for inspection drones is expected to increase, companies in the drone industry may consider partnering with other robotics companies, acquiring them, or launching their own robotics divisions to meet the growing demand for full solutions for remote data collection needs [8].
In the Energy and Utility sector, 63% of companies with drone programs plan to adopt other types of robots, with 17% of companies having already purchased other types of robots [9]. Business and agency users should consider their need for uncrewed systems holistically instead of focusing on a single domain [10].
As companies become more aware of the capabilities of all types of robots, including drones, adoption of these technologies is expected to grow [11]. This multi-modal robotic revolution is set to reshape industries, making inspections safer, more efficient, and more precise than ever before.
| Robot Type | Applications | Benefits | |------------------|------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------| | Ground-based | Thermal inspections, ultrasonic testing of train wheels, weld inspections | Early fault detection, safety, predictive maintenance, regulatory compliance, cost and time reduction | | Aerial (Drones) | Visual inspections of elevated or hazardous infrastructure | Safe access to hard-to-reach areas, risk reduction, high-quality data capture | | Underwater (ROVs)| Inspection of submerged infrastructure and confined spaces | Safe remote inspection, eliminating confined space entry, efficiency |
- Amongst the different types of robots, aerial robots, or drones, are valuable tools for visual inspections of elevated or hazardous infrastructure, reducing risk and enabling safer, faster inspection workflows.
- These drones, equipped with high-quality cameras and sensors, are ideal for inspecting infrastructure at heights or in hazardous zones, eliminating the need for scaffolding or rope access.
- In the energy and utility sector, companies with drone programs are increasingly considering adopting other types of robots, such as ground-based robots for thermal inspections and underwater robots for submerged infrastructure inspections.
- Some companies are integrating AI and automation platforms with these robotic inspection tools to enhance capabilities, reduce operational costs, and optimize efficiency.
- By using a multi-modal approach, combining ground-based, aerial, and underwater robots, companies can improve inspection accuracy, operator safety, and operational uptime across various industries.
- As the demand for drones and other robotic inspection tools grows, companies may explore partnerships, acquisitions, or the launch of their own robotics divisions to meet the growing need for full solutions for remote data collection needs.
