NEWS

Engineered to adapt, the M210 models can mount an upwards gimbal, enabling inspectors to properly visualize a variety of vertical infrastructure assets

With the ability to configure an upwards facing gimbal, the M210 and M210 RTK drones are able to completely visualize a broad set of industrial assets that inspectors previously had to bring multiple tools to inspect. This improves inspection turnaround times and significantly lowers equipment expenses, as their M200 Series drones works as an all-in-one inspection solution.

Simplifying the data collection process further is an included travelling case with space for 6 batteries and the ability to transport your M200 Series drone with an upwards gimbal mount already attached. With quick release landing gear and folding arms, this setup process and form factor is built to streamline your office to field process.

Inspections of vertical infrastructure can be difficult as these assets are often positioned in open, windy areas and it’s often impossible to pilot with an ideal view of the operation. To assist with this, the M200 Series drones are equipped with a robust FlightAutonomy system that will actively avoid most obstacles. Particularly important is the upward infrared sensor that will prevent the drone from hitting objects above it. A front-facing FPV camera is also provided to assist with safely maneuvering while conducting inspections with an upwards facing camera.

But what operations require an upwards facing camera? This configuration will add value for all vertical inspections, and is crucial for inspections of assets such as bridges, wind turbines and offshore oil rigs.

Bridge Inspections

Regular inspections are crucial for communities to properly schedule maintenance and ensure public safety for aging bridges. Previously to inspect vertical supports for suspension bridges, inspectors had to make a perilous climb along suspender cables with their only lifeline being a harness. With previous DJI technology, teams were able to up-tool these inspectors with drones, significantly decreasing inspection times, increasing workspace safety and limiting expensive life insurance costs.

Despite these immense savings, teams still needed to rely on unsafe rope hangers or expensive snooper trucks, which are essentially downward facing cranes that block lanes, to inspect the bottom-side of bridges. With the M200 Series, inspectors can now be equipped with M210 model drones, enabling them to more affordably, quickly and safely conduct under-bridge inspections. This enables inspectors to properly identify concrete delamination and other fundamental weaknesses, while also providing information on riverbank conditions.

Wind Turbine Inspection

Wind turbine inspectors have been using DJI technology for quite a while to better inspect these assets. When conducting inspections, energy companies need to turn off the turbines, meaning inspectors need to be as quick as possible to minimize lost output. Currently, when this is done, the goal is to stop the turbine in a convenient Y shape so inspections can be done rapidly with a downward camera. As this often is not the case, drone pilots are often limited by a downward configuration, and need to fly precariously close to get the right data.  With the ability to quickly shift between upward and downward configurations, pilots can avoid difficult operation procedures.

Offshore Rig Inspection

The oil and gas industry consists of several large companies that need to coordinate a vast supply chain and ensure safety on sites all around the globe. This becomes especially difficult on remote offshore oil rigs, where it takes days to arrive on site for repairs and often personnel must stay on-site for weeks at a time. With an on-site drone, oil companies can constantly inspect these sites to determine what needs to be repaired and checked on further before the maintenance crew arrives, maximizing the work done by these crews and allowing teams to better prioritize which rigs they visit.

An upward facing gimbal is crucial for these sites as a view of any raised platform’s bottom is inaccessible with a downward facing gimbal. These sections must be checked for corrosion and rust to ensure structural integrity

You can learn more about the Matrice 200 Series here