Drone Case Study Roundup: The Best of 2025 So Far
/The energy industry continues to push the boundaries of efficiency, safety, and sustainability—and drones and robotics are at the heart of this transformation. From performing autonomous inspections to feeding data to digital twins, companies are finding new ways to deploy these technologies for real-world impact.
Let’s look at three of the most compelling case study articles from 2025…so far…and how these examples are shaping industry standards.
Phoenix Air Unmanned and Shell Break Records
Phoenix Air Unmanned (PAU) set a new benchmark for UAV pipeline inspections, covering 320 miles in a single day—exceeding their 300-mile goal in just 7.6 flight hours. Partnering with Shell Pipeline Company, PAU leveraged beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities under their FAA waiver, eliminating the need for visual observers and paving the way for scalable drone operations.
By delivering real-time data to inspectors, PAU not only enhanced efficiency and safety but also demonstrated a strong business case for UAV inspections. With over 16,000 miles of infrastructure inspected since 2019, this milestone underscores how drones are reshaping pipeline and utility monitoring.
Turner Industries Reduces Piperack Inspection Costs
Turner Industries used the Elios 3 drone to transform piperack inspections, achieving a 60% cost reduction and completing the job in just two days—far faster than traditional methods. By eliminating the need for scaffolding, cherry pickers, or rope access, the drone made inspections safer and more efficient while capturing detailed 4K images and LiDAR point clouds for precise issue detection.
With 39 flights covering 2,000 feet of piperacks, Turner Industries reduced fall risks, drop hazards, and operational disruptions, showing the monetary and non-monetary value of drones in industrial environments.
Southern Company Earns New BVLOS Waiver
From revolution.aero
Southern Company was the first to secure a groundbreaking FAA Part 91 exemption for BVLOS drone operations. Partnering with Phoenix Air Unmanned, the company is deploying SwissDrones’ technology to enhance infrastructure inspections, storm response, and operational monitoring—without the need for on-site visual observers.
This regulatory breakthrough paves the way for scalable, cost-effective UAV operations and reduces reliance on helicopters and ground crews. By expanding BVLOS capabilities, energy companies can lower operational costs, improve grid reliability, and enhance worker safety.
Cognite and Equinor Talk Robots and Digital Twins
At Impact 2024, Cognite and Equinor showcased the transformative power of real-time digital twins and AI-powered robotics in industrial settings. Stein Danielsen of Cognite outlined four key trends:
Advanced AI models for data integration
Autonomous data capture by robots
The rise of humanoid robotics
AI agents automating complex tasks
Anette Jacobsen of Equinor demonstrated real-world applications, including robotic inspections, remote repairs saving millions, and automated water sampling.
Equinor's projects, featuring robots like Marcus and SPOT, show the ability of drones and robots to perform dangerous tasks, improve safety, and increase operational efficiency. Both speakers emphasized the importance of collaboration, rigorous planning, and safety standards for successful integration.
The session underscored how these technologies are not only optimizing processes but also redefining safety, cost-efficiency, and environmental impact, paving the way for a future with ubiquitous AI agents and robotics.
Shaping Tomorrow's Energy: Key Takeaways
From record-breaking pipeline inspections to new regulatory approvals and digital twins with AI-powered robots, these case studies collectively paint a compelling picture of the energy sector's rapid evolution.
The lessons learned from these pioneering efforts—emphasizing collaboration, rigorous planning, and a focus on safety—will serve as a blueprint for the wider adoption of drones and robotics across industries.
Where can you hear and see dozens of the latest real-world energy, industrial robotics, drone and data case studies live? This June 16-18 at the 9th Annual Energy Drone & Robotics Summit.
