FAQs

Yes, we provide a comprehensive service for inspecting power lines using drones. Our service is divided into two distinct parts. The first part entails data collection, where our team flies drones to capture aerial photos and collect various types of data related to the power lines. The second part involves the analysis of the collected data. This critical stage is conducted by our trusted analysis partners who specialize in processing and interpreting the data. By splitting the process into these two parts, we ensure a thorough and efficient inspection of power lines while leveraging both our autonomous drone software and the expertise of our analysis partners to derive valuable insights from the collected information.

Yes we are. We offer a complete solution for inspecting power lines with autonomous drones.

For annual inspections of medium voltage (MV), we can handle projects up to 100,000 km or 1.3 million poles. In the case of high voltage (HV), we can handle projects up to 200,000 towers. However, it's important to note that the project location also plays a role and may influence the size of projects we are able to confidently undertake.

Please get in touch with us here and we will get back to you as soon as possible about our availability and a fixed price. We appreciate it if you can share GIS/geographical data of where the grid is located (if that is available) because the cost of the inspection is dependent on the geographical area, terrain, type of inspection, and so on.  

Yes, we offer proof-of-concept (POC) projects to showcase the capabilities and benefits of our technology. Typically, we conduct a POC project covering a distance of approximately 50 km to 100 km before proceeding with a full inspection of the customer's entire asset. This approach allows potential customers to test and validate the effectiveness of our drone inspections, adapt to the new workflow, and gain insights into the outcomes and advantages of high-performing drone inspections. We are committed to helping you understand the value and potential of our technology through POC projects.

Yes. However, we do not provide data analysis services ourselves but through our partners. A data visualization tool is included in the analysis services. 

Yes.  

Our aim is to partner with the best analysis companies in the world. No single analysis company excels in every aspect. Some have a strong presence in specific geographical markets, while others excel in data visualization and high voltage (HV) analysis. Alternatively, some specialize in medium voltage (MV) and AI analysis. For more information, feel free to reach out to us.

Yes. We collect LiDAR with drones efficiently and automatically. Not only have we automated the drone flight but also the whole data processing workflow. Our LIDAR services with drones are cost competitive to helicopters. The LiDAR data we deliver has high accuracy and the resolution is generally between 400-600 pt/sqm.

Airpelago is authorized to fly drones beyond visual line of sight in Sweden and has been so since January 2022.

Yes, we have been in Sweden since January 2022, when the Swedish CAA authorized Airpelago to operate drones beyond visual line of sight or BVLOS.

While our drones fully replace helicopters for the annual inspection, we currently do not fully replace helicopters for large-scale LiDAR/laser scanning projects. Our LiDAR capabilities only extend up to a range of 300 km.

Using drones is an important step forward from a HSE (Health, Safety and Environment) perspective. It enhances safety by eliminating the need for human pilots or climbers. Drone inspections contribute to a significant reduction in emissions, with our customers reporting a reduction of 100 tons of carbon dioxide per year using our services. Finally, drone inspections deliver high-quality data. This results in more detailed images, leading to more accurate and comprehensive inspections as well as standardized image collection allowing for efficient and accurate AI analysis.

We work closely with national power industry organizations to develop customized inspection plans and optimized flight patterns that are compliant with national guidelines. Together with our analysis partners, we provide a comprehensive and end-to-end annual inspection of your entire grid. 

Yes, with stringent and standardized processes, DJI drones are secure. We can operate DJI drones in 100% offline mode, meaning they are not connected to the internet and therefore cannot leak any data. Additionally, we have the option to encrypt the memory card on the drone, which temporarily stores up to a day's worth of work. This enhances data security in the event that a drone is lost.

We mainly fly/support the DJI Mavic 3 series, DJI Matrice 30 series and the DJI Matrice 300/350 RTK.

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Right now we do not work with or recommend such solutions due to the regulatory landscape. However, it can be implemented at substations, where the ground area is fenced.

The minimum resolution of LIDAR point clouds is 100 points per square meter, as a general rule of thumb. This guideline, however, is not without its exceptions. For example, lower resolution data sets can be used if the lines are clearly visible, together with all parts of the lines. And vise versa, data sets with higher resolution can not used if the lines, for various reasons are not visible. The accuracy of LiDAR is, however, rarely a problem.

Airpelago Power is our software designed for the automation of large-scale drone inspection of power lines, coupled with a project management system. It is an integral component of our comprehensive solution. Our goal is to serve as your trusted partner, assisting you in scaling your drone operations effectively.

Yes, we can certainly assist you in automating your drones for power line inspections. Airpelago Power, our software solution, is specifically designed for this purpose. It not only enables automation but also provides a project management system to facilitate the planning and execution of large-scale inspection projects using drones. With Airpelago Power, you can streamline your operations and enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of your drone-based inspections.

Yes, Airpelago Power is built to support Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) but also handles operations limited to Visual Line of Sight (VLOS). The software offers features and capabilities that enable compliance with regulations for BVLOS operations, including those set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). Whether your operations are BVLOS or VLOS, Airpelago Power provides the necessary tools and functionalities to ensure efficient and compliant drone inspections of power lines.

We mainly fly/support the DJI Mavic 3 series, DJI Matrice 30 series and the DJI Matrice 300/350 RTK.

Yes, the PhaseOne camera is supported together with DJI Matrice 350 RTK.

LiDAR with a resolution of at least 100 points per m2 is required for more advanced flight automation as for our Service/Annual and Detailed products. 

LiDAR is not required for Storm and LiDAR flights, but also here it is beneficial, as it makes the flight automation both safer and more accurate.

AI technology can be trusted for the analysis of power lines and has the potential to accurately detect errors in power line assets. However, the accuracy can vary depending on factors like the quality of training data, algorithm sophistication, and the types of errors being analyzed. AI excels at analyzing large amounts of data and identifying patterns or anomalies that may indicate potential faults. Continuous improvement is possible through iterative training and validation processes. It’s important to note that human expertise is still necessary for critical decision-making, and AI should be seen as a supportive tool rather than a replacement. Regular validation and quality control measures are crucial to ensure the reliability and accuracy of AI-based analyses.