Autonomous Drones in Manufacturing Site Security

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At the 2024 Energy Drone & Robotics Summit, Catherine Tea from Dow shared how autonomous drones are reshaping site security in the manufacturing sector. Tea, who works in the Robotics Department under Dow’s Digital Operations Center, shared the company’s journey into deploying drones for enhanced safety and security, particularly focusing on autonomous drones and their potential to revolutionize security operations.

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The Role of Drones in Enhancing Safety

Dow’s robotics division has traditionally focused on improving safety in high-risk environments, including industrial cleaning, elevated work, and confined space entry. Tea introduced how the company uses a range of robotics tools like crawlers, submarines, quadrupeds, and drones to minimize human risk. But in an innovative pivot, Dow has found new value in using drones to secure their vast manufacturing sites, a fresh approach that focuses not only on safety but also on operational efficiency.

Why Autonomous Drones for Security?

Tea broke down the advantages and limitations of using quadrupeds versus drones. While quadrupeds are better suited for ground-level inspections, drones excel at aerial surveillance and rapid response. Despite some limitations like flight time and weather conditions, the autonomous capabilities of drones present a significant opportunity for Dow’s security needs. By reducing the risks associated with human patrols, such as heat fatigue, and increasing repeatability through automation, drones can significantly bolster site security.

Case Study: Autonomous Drones for Site Patrol

In a site security case study, Tea shared how Dow deployed drones to patrol miles of fence lines in their Gulf Coast facilities. The drones not only enhanced coverage but also allowed for quick emergency responses, providing real-time video feeds, night vision, and thermal imagery. This technology has proven to be cost-effective by reducing labor costs and improving overall security efficiency.

Challenges and Lessons Learned

However, Dow’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Tea recounted a critical incident during their initial attempt to use drones for security in Louisiana. A drone crash occurred after a vendor operator took it out of autonomous mode, flying it too low for the parachute to deploy. This failure highlighted the importance of following stringent safety protocols, such as the need for certified parachutes and altitude safeguards.

Dow has since improved their processes, including adding a pilot and visual observer for UAS operations, using radar for perimeter security, and adopting high-standard maintenance protocols. These adjustments are designed to prevent similar mishaps and ensure the drones can operate safely and effectively.

Future of Autonomous Drones in Manufacturing

Looking ahead, Tea emphasized that Dow continues to explore autonomous drone technology to meet their operational and security needs. While they’ve ruled out some use cases, like OGI (Optical Gas Imaging) on drones, for now, they remain optimistic about the broader value drones can bring. She encouraged attendees to reach out with potential solutions that meet Dow’s functional and financial requirements, signaling the company’s commitment to advancing this technology.

In conclusion, Catherine Tea’s session demonstrated how autonomous drones are not just a futuristic concept but a practical solution for modern manufacturing challenges. As Dow refines its approach and overcomes operational hurdles, it’s clear that drones will play a central role in securing their facilities and ensuring the safety of their operations.

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