Interactive Aerial Releases Zenith – A Drop Camera Reimagined

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Expanding upon its existing products for internal inspections, Interactive Aerial recently announced Zenith; a PTZ inspection camera reimagined through augmenting drone technology. 

In the spring of 2019, IA was inspecting multiple underground water shafts at depths of 400ft. While most vertical columns were suitable for the Legacy One aircraft, a few others required a more innovative answer. IA’s unique solution took 90% of the intelligence from their drone and placed it inside a small box. By lowering the box via an automated winch, Zenith became an obvious, simple to use product.

Traditional down-hole cameras require bulky tethers to communicate commands, data, and deliver power. By utilizing the same wireless technology developed for the drone, Zenith is lowered into assets using only a razor thin, 1mm cable. Inspectors can fit 500 ft. of Zenith cable in the palm of their hands, rather than lug around a carrying case to transport traditional tethering cable that can be up to one inch thick. 

But how can the box maintain an accurate orientation throughout such a long drop? Another inspiration from drone technology is Zenith’s patent pending Coax Drive System. A robust inertial measurement unit (IMU) and two counter-rotating paddles enable precise heading control, keeping Zenith locked on that same heading regardless of cable twisting or wind currents. Because the unit is attached to a free spinning bearing, this allows the box to be yawed 360° left or right. Additional Zenith benefits include: 

    • No Confined Space Entry

    • Real-Time Inspection Data

    • Simple Use – No In-Person Training or License Required

    • Precise Heading & Height Data

    • 2+ Hours Battery Run Time

    • Minimal Risk of Losing Equipment Inside Asset

Drones have proven considerable success in the past few years, but one disadvantage they bring is the requirement to have dedicated pilots trained & licensed specifically to operate their UAVs. In some cases, this can take substantial investments of time and money. This is where a simple solution like Zenith reduces the technological barrier to entry; giving each plant the ability to have rapidly deployable robotic inspection tools without the hassle of being trained, licensed, and proficient. 

The Zenith system will come with the following hardware components: a 30x zoom camera with 4k video recording, a simple to use rugged controller, a versatile tripod, a winch that can be separated and mounted to existing infrastructure, and extension arms that allow the Zenith payload to be pushed 12ft inside the confined space environment with no human entry!

To learn more about the hardware components that accompany the system, visit the Zenith page of Interactive Aerial’s website.