InDro Robotics inspects transmission power lines on private LTE network with NYPA and Nokia

InDro Robotics inspects transmission power lines on private LTE network with NYPA and Nokia

Apr 23, 2021 | Drone News, Featured, In the media, InDro News

In partnership with Nokia and the New York Power Authority (NYPA), InDro Robotics ran a highly successful demonstration with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), or drones, that were installed with private LTE wireless technology. 

 

The first-of-its-kind, InDro Robotics’ drone inspection with NYPA – one of the United States’ largest state public power organizations – exhibited the ability to control onboard high definition and thermal imaging devices during inspections within close proximity of in-service transmission lines. 

 

InDro Robotics’ was chosen for this project due to their extensive expertise in operating UAV’s in unprecedented ways when NYPA was scouting out drones for transmission line inspection.

These test flights were also aimed at assisting the NYPA, and possibly other corporations, to safely inspect miles of transmission lines using wireless networks to convey images and data.

Within the visual line of sight and fully compliant with FAA rules and regulations, the drone flights took place in December 2020 at NYPA’s Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County, New York. 

 The test flights were part of the NYPA pilot program, which began when the NYPA partnered with Nokia of America Corporation to pilot private wireless LTE technology. Using Nokia’s Digital Automation Cloud platform, NYPA is hoping to build a secure and reliable network that would enhance operational and programmatic benefits. Once this network is finalized, NYPA expects to petition the Federal Aviation Administration for permission to fly drones beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) to make their inspections of transmission lines easier.

In using the LTE wireless network system for inspections, NYPA is looking to adopt the network in other areas. This includes workforce mobility applications (voice-over LTE), 30x optimal zoom camera, deep metering services and data of customer energy consumption, Wi-Fi telephony and Push-to-Talk (PTT) applications, as well as data transport that would support NYPA energy efficiency initiatives.

September 2019, Indro Robotics leads successful delivery of simulated blood products to Montreal Gen

September 2019, Indro Robotics leads successful delivery of simulated blood products to Montreal Gen

Apr 23, 2021 | Featured, InDro News

September 2019, Indro Robotics leads successful delivery of simulated blood products to Montreal General Hospital

In a groundbreaking trial, InDro Robotics, a global leader in drone technology, tested their unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) flights in downtown Montreal on Tuesday, September 24, 2019.  The first experiment of its kind in Canada.

 

The purpose of this experiment was to deliver medical aid via drones in a simulated emergency to the rooftop of the Montreal General Hospital (MGH) of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC). Working alongside the Indro Robotics team was Dr. Valérie Homier, emergency physician at the MUHC, and other collaborators in trialing this experiment.

The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service in Ontario also participated in this study. The County previously worked with Indro Robotics in becoming the first responder paramedic service in Canada with the most experience using UAVs.

Throughout its existence, InDro Robotics has accumulated thousands of flight hours and has collaborated with leading bodies such as Transport Canada, Canadian Space Agency, and NASA. The firm works to develop new equipment and technologies which will expand the uses for UAVs in different areas for different purposes.

 

“We were selected because the area contained complex air space, which means there’s helicopters and aircraft flying around there. They needed a real tried and tested operator, which was us,” said Philip Reece, President and CEO of InDro Robotics Inc.

 

“[The experiment] required a lot of complexity and a lot of collaboration with people who don’t usually work together. We had the experience [of working with Indro Robotics] from a prior research project, so that really created a climate of safety and confidence in the team because we know them, and we know how they operate,” said Dr. Valérie Homier of MUHC.

InDro Robotics moves to Area X.O – Invest Ottawa’s high-tech facility

InDro Robotics moves to Area X.O – Invest Ottawa’s high-tech facility

Apr 22, 2021 | Featured, InDro News

On March 1st, 2021, InDro Robotics moved into Area X.O, a new facility in Ottawa, Ontario, operated by Invest Ottawa.

This is now the fourth operation facility where the InDro Robotics team conducts studies to develop new equipment and technologies, all of which will expand the uses for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). InDro Robotics also operates out of two facilities in Victoria and Salt Spring, British Columbia, and one facility in Arnprior, Ontario. Their headquarters is located in Vancouver, B.C.

“InDro Robotics has had a long, operational presence in Ottawa and has worked with many of the amazing technology companies that are based there. When the opportunity came to take lab space at Area X.O and become part of the Drone and Robot testing grounds, we jumped at the chance,” said Philip Reece, president and CEO of InDro Robotics. “We have already supplemented our team with several very talented engineers, and I am sure we will be adding more in the near future,” 

The move to this new facility in Ottawa has also been strategic for Area X.O. InDro Robotics holds a strong partnership with Area X.O, and has already collaborated to date on many significant projects with the Ottawa-based facility.. 

Area X.O is the futureplex of innovation and collaboration in Canada’s Capital that enables and accelerates the safe and secure development, testing, and application of next-generation technologies. Combining diverse expertise with Ottawa’s telecom and cybersecurity strengths, Area X.O helps local, national, and global startups, SMEs, multinationals, and governments address grand challenges and opportunities.

The Ottawa facility is also home to companies such as Kongsberg Geospacial, Nokia, 4D Robotics, Provectus Robotics Solutions (PRS) and other international robotics organizations. The facility operates one of the most advanced communication test infrastructures in the world, with numerous GPS systems, 4G/LTE, WiFi, TV white Space, and authentic pre-commercial 5G (including mmWave) from Nokia and Ericsson and satellite communication systems.

Area X.o

Among a number of impressive features, the Area X.O facility includes the largest secure test facility for CAVs in the country, and the Area X.O 5G Mobile Command Centre, a one-of-a-kind vehicle that was originally established by a collaborative group of companies including InDro Robotics was developed through a unique integration with Invest Ottawa.