Top Energy Drone & Robotics Use Cases from April 2024

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Technological advancements continually shape the way we harness, distribute, and optimize resources. Amid this evolution, drones and robotics have emerged as indispensable tools, revolutionizing traditional methods and unlocking new possibilities in the energy sector.

Here, we relive the most compelling use cases where drones and robotics have propelled the energy industry forward. From enhancing safety protocols to optimizing efficiency and environmental sustainability, these innovative applications showcase the transformative power of automation and aerial intelligence.

Drone & Robotic Deployments in Energy

We’ve highlighted use cases that illustrate the transformative impact of drones and robotics in reshaping the energy industry, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and sustainable practices. For example: 

  • Chevron's use of Spot robots from Boston Dynamics exemplifies a pioneering leap in robotics adoption

  • Shell's implementation of a diverse fleet of drones and robots at its Energy and Chemicals Park Rheinland in Germany

  • Robots’ roll in enhancing safety and precision, accelerating cleanup operations during nuclear decommissioning 

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Drones in the Utility Industry

Traditional methods of infrastructure inspection in the utility industry are being revolutionized by drones equipped with advanced technology such as high-resolution cameras, LiDAR sensors, and thermal imaging. Some examples from Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), Southern Company, American Electric Power (AEP), ComEd, Dominion Energy, and New York Power Authority (NYPA), include:

Drones and Computer Vision: Integration of computer vision technology with drones enables streamlined inspections in hazardous or hard-to-reach areas.

Drone-driven Power Facility Inspections: AI-powered drones are transforming asset management practices in power generation, addressing challenges such as aging infrastructure and regulatory pressures.

Determining ROI of Utility Drone Inspection Programs: Despite upfront investment requirements, the increased productivity and data quality of drone inspections often justify the costs, although determining exact ROI beforehand remains challenging.

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Industrial Drone and Autonomous Cargo Delivery

We looked into industrial drones and autonomous cargo delivery systems, exploring their real-world applications, technological advancements, and potential impact on industrial enterprises.

Uncrewed Aerial Drones Take on Industrial Cargo Delivery: Several companies, including Dronamics, Elroy Air, RigiTech, Spright, and Wingcopter, are pioneering the use of drones for industrial cargo delivery.

Industrial Drone Delivery: eVTOL and AAM: Electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) are emerging as crucial components of advanced air mobility (AAM). 

Autonomous Delivery Drones Take Flight: Companies like Elroy Air and Wingcopter are leading the charge in autonomous aerial cargo transport, testing end-to-end autonomous delivery solutions.

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Do you have a use case example to share? Send info to editor@stonefortgroup.com.