A large variety of industries are already reaping the rewards of adopting drone technology, but there are plenty of business owners out there who still rely on conventional data gathering methods.
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues and economies around the world slow down as a result of social distancing measures, that may be beginning to change.
The benefits of using drones have been clear for several years now. Speed, efficiency, and low cost are among the regularly-cited reasons for using drone technology to carry out tasks. Now a new reason is emerging: social distancing.
COVID-19 has forced many businesses to close their doors completely and millions of people around the world are now working from home or not at all.
But in several sectors, pausing critical operations entirely is not a viable option.
In many cases drone technology is perfectly placed to assist with mission critical inspections that would otherwise be carried out by a team of people. For example, vital infrastructure in the real estate, transport, insurance, property management, and energy industries requires regular maintenance that can’t be postponed.
Now more than ever, it makes sense to use drones.
Normally when we refer to drones preventing the need to put workers at risk, it’s because a job involves scaling heights or venturing into a dangerous environment. In the current crisis, the threat is of the virus spreading from person to person.
A single operator and a drone can help reduce the risk of transmission by carrying out tasks that would otherwise require a team. These missions typically take place in isolated situations or areas, without the pilot never needing to step foot on the property, meaning there’s little risk to the pilot and others involved.
With those factors in mind, turning to drone technology at this time is a no brainer. As DroneBase CEO Dan Burton told dot.la this week, "I wish it was under different circumstances," Burton said. "But we feel we're in a position to keep America running, to help with mission critical inspections of critical infrastructure" while workforces are locked down.
We’ve already seen a surge in requests for contactless inspections as the reality of these facts become clear. In these unprecedented times, DroneBase is in a position to help keep America running - even while the normality of our everyday lives begins to shift.
For all businesses right now, employee safety is a top priority. If travel, exposure, and close contact with other members of your team are the norm for your inspections, an alternative is available.
DroneBase’s contactless inspections can reduce your company’s risk and liability, requires no face-to-face interaction, and can often be completed with minimal access to your physical premises and personnel.
Our pilot network is on hand to help you through this difficult time, whether you are an existing customer, are experiencing disruption with your in-house drone program, or have never used the technology before.
For more information on how DroneBase can support your operations during the Coronavirus outbreak, visit our industries page.