The Impact of Drones on Infrastructure Development

Infrastructure is the foundation on which civilization is built and in the US, much of it is slowly corroding and cracking. As Christopher Mims points out in this article, the costs are staggering - an estimated 3-4% of GDP is lost to corrosion alone - and climate change is accelerating the breakdown. I spoke with Christopher about how autonomous drones are already having a transformative impact in helping diagnose and maintain critical infrastructure including bridges, pipelines, and ships. Equipped with high-res cameras and sensors, Skydio drones can fly to places that are dangerous or inaccessible to human inspectors. The rich data they collect can feed AI systems to detect cracks, corrosion, and other structural issues automatically. We’re just beginning to scratch the surface of what’s possible. Every operator should have a real-time digital model of all their assets, continuously updated by a fleet of AI-powered drones. With network-connected docking stations, drones can recharge and transfer data, enabling round-the-clock monitoring. The future is a proactive approach that fixes problems before they cause failures. It's a new era for an overlooked but vital part of our economy. Drones are helping keep society's lights on, buildings upright, and products flowing. https://lnkd.in/gq_Adinj  #infrastructure #infrastuctureprojects

𝐀𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐮𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐈𝐬 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐞—𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐆𝐚𝐦𝐞 Imagine construction without scaffolding, cranes, or even ground-based crews. Thanks to new research from Imperial College London and the University of Bristol, the future of building may be airborne. Aerial Additive Manufacturing (Aerial AM) leverages drones equipped with precision material-depositing tools to build and repair structures mid-air. Think of it as 3D printing—but from the sky. 𝑾𝒉𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒆𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓? 🔹 It opens up construction in hard-to-reach, high-risk, or elevated areas 🔹 It promises reduced waste, lower energy use, and faster on-demand repairs 🔹 It enables sustainable, scalable, and autonomous building—anywhere Early-stage tests at Empa’s 𝐃𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐇𝐮𝐛 in Switzerland are already demonstrating the potential for modular assembly and rapid repair—hinting at a future where flying robots construct shelters, infrastructure, and more. We’re still in the early days, but this research marks a major step toward solving global infrastructure and housing challenges. 🛠️ The sky is no longer the limit—it’s the worksite. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gQ6c2pvi

Drone ‘powered’ energy Technology is transforming the way power utility companies go about their businesses. From using drones for perilous inspections to the use of sensors and Asset monitoring solutions to stabilize large grids rapid changes have been witnessed in the sector. But what advantages do incorporating drone and sensor technologies bring into the equation? • Using drones’ professionals can now operate at a safe distance instead of engaging with high-voltage transmissions which previously electrocuted 25 workers annually. • The service efficiency goes up since drones can not only cover a larger precinct but also do it faster while reducing the costs by 30-50% • Drones are capable of delivering data such as HD and thermal imaging, LIDAR in real-time helping pace up the decision-making process and also foresee and prevent major incidents from happening. This data can further optimize the functioning of the system when used in synergy with Asset Monitoring Solutions. • Using the technology for continuous oversight of assets thereby ensuring the health and safety of the infrastructure while providing real-time access • Digital data eases the conundrum of how to record and process data and subsequently ensure compliance reporting • This data can then be analyzed to predict and forecast events based on historical trends  • Incorporation of the latest technology like GFMs to further enhance grid stability. An incident from April 2023 showed how GFMs potentially saved $10 million when an oil-powered generator went offline highlighting the immense potential. What is your opinion, are such digital solutions the way forward for greener grids? #innovation #technology #energy #sustainability #electricalengineering ASEC ENGINEERS - Engineering your success, delivering precision and innovation in every project since 1991.