FlytBase, a prominent enterprise drone autonomy software platform provider, has announced a strategic partnership with Skyqraft, a visual data analytics company specializing in grid infrastructure. This collaboration aims to support system integrators and enterprises in the transmission and distribution sectors with autonomous drone operations, coupled with analytics concerning their grid infrastructure.
Addressing Energy Consumption Challenges
Predictions indicate a doubling of global energy consumption by 2045. Transmission and distribution operators are grappling with the dual challenge of augmenting capacity while managing aging utilities infrastructure. The tools available thus far have often fallen short, failing to furnish detailed data about grid health.
Another problem operators confront is the geographical distribution of power grids, many of which are situated in remote locations. This geographic challenge has made regular inspections difficult, resulting in sporadic drone data collection. A consistent and scalable approach for collecting drone data, crucial for fault detection, proactive maintenance, and deriving grid health insights, has been noticeably absent.
Benefits of the Collaboration
FlytBase provides an advanced drone autonomy software platform, enabling system integrators to conduct fully automated BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) operations using drone-in-a-box systems, managed from distant command centers. The platform is crafted to ensure safe, repeatable data collection, and boasts compatibility with BVLOS hardware and software, such as parachutes, detect-and-avoid systems, and weather systems. Moreover, FlytBase's platform facilitates intricate mission planning, dynamic route planning, and tailoring flight workflows to align with regulatory guidelines.
In terms of data security, FlytBase complies with recognized standards, including ISO27001, SOC2 Type II, and GDPR. The platform can be adapted to various third-party software, including Skyqraft's data analytics platform, offering an all-encompassing solution.
Skyqraft's platform processes drone-captured imagery into actionable insights, supplying power grid stakeholders with essential data. By leveraging machine learning combined with human-assured quality checks, the platform swiftly delivers accurate asset data. Each component of the grid, down to the tiniest details such as individual insulator discs and bolts, is thoroughly cataloged, aiding decision-making and maintenance planning processes.
Nitin Gupta, Founder & CEO of FlytBase, commented on the collaboration:
"Our partnership with Skyqraft aims to offer transmission and distribution industries a highly automated drone-based inspection platform. Our goal is to simplify autonomous flight operations and provide essential insights to enhance power grid functioning and boost energy output."
John Smithers, Sales Director North America at Skyqraft, added: “The alliance between Skyqraft and FlytBase introduces a comprehensive grid inspection solution, paving the way for unprecedented inspection automation capabilities in the industry.”
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