Autonomous drones are multi-talented, and as technology advances, their list of capabilities keeps adding up. From military machine gun drones to drones saving young boys lost in a cornfield, these flying mechanisms have proven to be quite versatile. Now, drones can navigate through complex construction sites while doing some heavy lifting.
UK engineering, Plextex partnered with Griff Aviation, unmanned aerial systems specialist, to install sensors and micro radars on its heavy lifting drones. The drones are designed to move materials and building equipment across extremely harsh terrains, such as forested or mountainous landscapes. These innovative heavy lifting drones will be capable of carrying loads up to 250kg.
Peter Doig, Business Development Director from Plextek, explained:
Plextek has established internationally recognized expertise in mm-wave radar over the last six years and is now applying its technology for the ‘sense and avoid’ navigation of drones and other UAVs. The Griff Aviation project is particularly challenging and exciting as up until now, most drones have been used for lightweight payloads, and heavy-lift drones require very precise and reliable flight control.
The e-scan radar, which is attached to the drone, can detect hazards such as buildings, bridges, vegetation, power lines, and other objects both in front of and beneath the drone. The range in which the drone can detect objects is significant, with up to 300 meters and angular resolution. Additionally, it provides day and night, all-weather sensing.
Hans Petter Forde, from Griff Aviation, said:
Innovation is needed to develop heavy lifting UAVs with robust systems for navigation and sensing. Plextek’s micro radar technology is ahead of the field and is ideal to fit our needs. We believe firmly that working together, Plextek and Griff Aviation will develop a system that will set the standards for the future of UAS navigation.
Currently, Plextek and Griff Aviation are working with on-site trials in Norway ahead of a power line company in Australia and a leading energy provider in Japan.
