Last month, we announced that FLIR Systems made a strategic investment in DroneBase. This agreement establishes FLIR as the exclusive provider of thermal technology for our inspection services and training for our Pilot Network through the FLIR Infrared Training Center (ITC).
We’re extremely proud of our partnership and the opportunity that it provides both our enterprise clients and our pilots. The future of commercial drone flights will only continue to become more specialized with advanced sensors so businesses can make even better, faster decisions about their most vital assets.
What does that look like exactly? While thermal imaging drone inspection services have been hard to scale, there are already many use cases that can impact a variety of different industries. Below are just a few.
Energy
Thermal drone inspections can be used across the energy industry, especially in solar and wind. By leveraging thermal sensors, solar energy companies can detect hot spots in solar panels to find defects before they become devastating breakdowns. Since these flights typically have to be done at dusk and at night, the FAA’s latest proposed rule changes will help solar companies leverage this technology.
Buildings
Thermal cameras can make inspections safer and more efficient, whether inspecting the local mall or a house. By identifying temperature differences caused by water damage, thermal cameras can help property management firms find cracks on roofs or damage to HVAC units.
Utilities
By using drones with thermal sensors, utilities can find wear and tear on degrading power grids to allow for preventative maintenance. Loose contacts or defects to fittings cause thermal anomalies that can be easily detected by a certified thermographer.
Together with FLIR, we will continue to expand use cases for thermal imagery for DroneBase’s current and future customers in buildings, solar, utilities, and more. If you are a drone pilot interested in flying exclusive DroneBase Thermal Missions, you can sign up for any sUAS Level I Thermography course through the ITC and receive a 20% discount for being a DroneBase Pilot. This offer is redeemable until June 30, 2019 so head here to find out more.
