SEGULA Technologies, a prominent player in the field of engineering and innovation, has recently announced the successful completion of its “TOPONE” prototype, an autonomous drone engineered specifically for the inspection of power lines in underground tunnels and restricted spaces. This significant milestone follows two years of research and development by the Group's Research and Innovation department and is aimed at enhancing safety for technicians working in environments fraught with danger.
Every year, an alarming number of work-related fatalities occur in confined spaces, with nearly 200 individuals losing their lives due to extreme hazards such as inadequate oxygen supply, high concentrations of harmful gases, extreme temperatures, and the potential for structural collapses. The introduction of the TOPONE drone seeks to mitigate these life-threatening risks by providing a reliable and effective alternative for conducting technical inspections in such perilous settings.
The TOPONE drone boasts several advanced features designed for high-precision inspections. It is outfitted with a sophisticated camera system capable of capturing both RGB and thermographic images of power cables, securely mounted on a gimbal to ensure stability and manoeuvrability. Additionally, its high-precision sensors can assess critical environmental factors, including temperature, oxygen levels, and concentrations of toxic gases, allowing for the identification of anomalies that might arise from cable degradation or overheating.
Operating with a remarkable degree of autonomy, the drone is equipped with two high-precision cameras and altimeters, enabling it to navigate complex underground landscapes without needing continuous supervision from a ground control station. The data it collects is processed by an onboard computer, which constructs a 3D model of the surroundings from a point cloud, facilitating effective navigation throughout the tunnels.
The drone also features a sophisticated software architecture that integrates multiple operational modules, including localisation and perception, a control and guidance system, and a dedicated data collection mechanism tailored for each inspection mission.
The prototype has undergone real-world testing in the galleries of the Málaga Convention Centre (FYCMA) in Spain. These tests have been determined successful, positioning the drone for commercial applications in various sectors. Potential uses include the inspection of rail and industrial infrastructure, tunnelling operations, and power cable assessments, as well as applications in emergency response scenarios involving exploration and intervention in inaccessible locations.
The development of the TOPONE drone forms part of a larger initiative funded by the Spanish Centre for Technological Development and Innovation (CDTI), with SEGULA Technologies actively pursuing a comprehensive strategy to deliver innovative solutions across key industrial sectors. Following the successful initial test phases, the TOPONE is now advancing into its second stage of prototyping, paving the way for anticipation of future commercialisation.
Source: Noah Wire Services