Inspecting critical infrastructure with helicopters is expensive and harmful to the environment. An automated hangar system for drones could be the solution.
Since 2020, Exabotix, a company based in Bad Lauterberg in the Harz Mountains, has been increasingly focusing on the development of autonomous drone solutions. When a gas pipeline operator was looking for an efficient solution to inspect its pipeline networks, the idea for the Droneport was born. ‘The idea of using drones for this task already existed, but there was no solution that would keep the drones operational at all times without the need for human pilots on site,’ explains Julian Ederleh, marketing manager at Exabotix. This led to the development of the Droneport, an automated hangar system from which drones are launched and loaded autonomously. Data is also transmitted and compatible drones are stored safely.
The first version of the Droneport was designed as a container solution in which the drone was moved out sideways. This system successfully completed test flights over a distance of 20 kilometres. In the current version, which Exabotix also presented at XPONENTIAL Europe in February, the design has been further optimised. In addition to a more compact design, the new Droneport now also allows the use of VTOL drones, which take off and land vertically but can cover long distances in horizontal flight. ‘This now enables ranges of up to 120 kilometres, which is particularly advantageous for inspections of pipelines, power lines and other infrastructure facilities,’ adds Ederleh.
Focus on critical infrastructure
Exabotix now focuses strongly on critical infrastructure and plant security. While the company has previously worked with authorities and public bodies, the focus is now on industrial applications. Drones are used here to check whether vegetation needs to be cut back along a pipeline or to detect unauthorised construction sites and vehicles, among other things. High-resolution camera systems and AI-supported evaluation methods are used to automatically identify anomalies and report them to operators.
The integration of Droneports into existing security systems opens up further application possibilities. ‘If, for example, a motion detector is triggered on company premises, the drone can automatically fly to the affected area and provide real-time transmission. This helps to reduce false alarms and identify potential security risks more quickly,’ explains the marketing manager.
Fully autonomous
Technically, the Droneport is characterised by its fully autonomous operation, which means that, for the first time, no pilot is required on site. The drone takes off and lands automatically, is loaded in the hangar and transmits the collected data to the control centre. All data processing is carried out in accordance with the highest security standards. All image and sensor data is stored on German servers in compliance with the GDPR or, if desired, directly at the operator's premises. Exabotix attaches particular importance to ensuring that no data is transferred abroad in order to guarantee maximum data security.
In addition to developing the Droneport, Exabotix also offers the corresponding drones. Whereas in the past each drone was customised individually, the company now relies on two standardised models. The HELIOS multicopter is suitable for shorter missions with a flight time of up to 50 minutes, while the SWIFT VTOL is designed for long-range flights with a range of up to 120 kilometres. Both models are compatible with various sensors and camera systems, allowing them to be used flexibly depending on the application.
Everything from a single source
In addition to the hardware, Exabotix also provides services related to the operation of the drone ports. These include planning and implementing the systems on site, carrying out and monitoring flight missions, and processing the data.
Exabotix plans to push ahead with series production of the drone ports in the future. Three ports are currently under construction. The company expects to produce 30 to 50 ports per year in the future. Due to high interest both nationally and internationally, further applications are being evaluated. There are numerous enquiries, particularly from other European countries, as the combination of autonomous drone technology, AI-supported data evaluation and the highest data protection standards is a unique selling point.
Save
The concept met with great interest at XPONENTIAL Europe, particularly because of the cost savings that can be achieved through the use of autonomous drones. While one hour of flight time with a helicopter often costs six figures, a drone port can operate much more economically over its entire service life. Large energy companies are already investing six to seven figures in inspection systems, meaning that the use of autonomous drone ports can quickly pay for itself.
Due to its great success this year, Exabotix plans to return as an exhibitor at XPONENTIAL Europe in Düsseldorf from 24 to 26 March 2026.
Author: Sonja Buske
