Following successful trials conducted in spring 2021, in collaboration with Canada’s federal regulator, Transport Canada and NAV Canada, communications technology company TELUS and software company Dimetor are conducting new trials to evaluate how to scale up the number of beyond-visual-line-of-sight (BVLOS) drone flights using Dimetor’s AirborneRF solutions. The aim is to apply this technology for commercial and industrial use cases. As an outcome of the demonstrations, TELUS will use the results, connectivity and ground risk data collected to develop services for enterprise customers and aviation stakeholders to scale their drone operations for a greener future, says the press release.
Within this trial, multiple drones will be operated simultaneously, flying at altitudes between 90 and 100 meters. The connectivity data forecast along the flights’ routes will be provided via the AirborneRF platform. To start, the drones will inspect the Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada infrastructure within a 425 km long corridor dedicated to this project. This trial will demonstrate how companies can complete more inspections in less time, further reducing their carbon footprint.
“Drones are already used by the energy industry to conduct inspections, mapping, surveying, localization and other activities. But today, one of the hottest questions is how to scale and automate. For such use cases, a network forecast is needed not only for C2 connectivity but also for the payload required to deliver such services by drones“, says Gorazd Mirkovski, Project Director at Dimetor for AirborneRF.
Samer Geissah, Director of Technology Strategy at TELUS, emphasizes the importance of this work: “Dimetor’s technology will enable exciting new opportunities to leverage the potential of 5G connected technologies like BVLOS drones for critical new uses, such as remote fire detection, evaluating flood areas and endless other possibilities. Working with Dimetor is allowing TELUS to explore how we can leverage drone technology to advance our social purpose of helping to make our planet greener and more sustainable. This work alongside Transport Canada, NAV Canada and Airborne RF from Dimetor will enable better services for our customers and faster and more efficient responses to keep our planet healthy.”
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