Data collection, sensor integration and method development for research and development projects
Research and development are close to our hearts. For research and development projects, we can both help collect data from places that might otherwise be inaccessible and assist with the development of equipment and methods.
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Describe the research question, the data you need to collect, the relevant environment and whether the assignment requires a specific sensor, method or equipment.
Why contact Gerdes Solutions?
Our experience is that not everyone should be best at everything. We often get the furthest and achieve the best results when we work together and each party contributes their own area of expertise. Our area of expertise is not research itself, but knowledge of drones and the appropriate use of drones as a tool to achieve the requested results. When you carry out research or development projects where you need to collect data from inaccessible places, our drones can be equipped with the specific equipment required and our pilots can carry out the airborne collection based on your needs. If you need to develop new methods involving the use of drones, we can assist with extensive knowledge of development and the combination of drone systems and sensors.
When the research project requires measurable 3D data, drone-based laser scanning may be relevant. For visual models, orthophotos or real-time inspection, image collection for visualization and inspection may be a better form of support.
Method: how the work is carried out
- Needs review and analysis of conditions: We jointly review your needs to determine how we can help in the unique situation.
- Preparatory work: Development or testing of methods and equipment for the relevant purpose. We are happy to contribute our knowledge and experience at an early stage.
- Execution: What happens in this step naturally varies from case to case and depends on the results of the previous steps. Sometimes this step means that we independently carry out the data collection you need. Sometimes we work together with you on complex measurements or contribute to your evaluation of equipment and methods that include drones.
- Review and follow-up: Regardless of which part of your project we have participated in, we are happy to jointly review and follow up the results of the work and create learnings for the future.
Why use drones?
Because no research or development project is identical to another, the advantage of drones also varies between them. What we often see is that drones make it possible to place measuring equipment and sensors exactly where they provide the most value and the most reliable results. For some projects, the drone as a carrier of research equipment provides a unique opportunity to obtain data from places where human presence is not possible or desirable. The ability to combine several different types of equipment on drone platforms is also an advantage in many situations. Your equipment can also be powered from our drones, and it is possible to connect equipment to the drone’s PC with an internet connection.
Conditions and limitations
Because research results often require equipment development, unusual combinations of equipment or entirely new methods, we are happy to contribute our knowledge and experience at an early stage. This increases the chances of getting as much value as possible from the technology.
Even in research and development, natural laws have an impact and create certain limitations related to drones. Gravity, aerodynamics and icing are examples of factors to consider when we jointly assess what will be possible.
Experience, permits and quality
We have broad experience in data collection for very different research projects and in the development of drones with associated equipment for specific research purposes. Examples include work with volcano researchers from Chalmers and other universities around the world to carry out gas collection in active volcanoes and from ship exhaust plumes. For gas-related assignments, our drone-based gas work may also be relevant. More earthbound examples of drone use in research and development include extensive inventories of wildlife damage and large forest areas in different spectral bands together with SLU and the Swedish Forest Agency.
Our generic flight authorisations make it possible to arrange approved flights in all EU countries relatively quickly, without first having to wait for the long processing times of the Swedish Transport Agency.
Frequently asked questions
How heavy equipment can the drones lift?
The drones we usually use for this type of assignment can lift up to 5 kg of payload. There are also drones with which we can lift heavier payloads, but then other limitations apply.
Can our equipment receive power from the drone?
Yes. We usually supply equipment with 5, 12 or 24 V, but it is possible to adapt based on need.
How high can you fly with drones?
The possibilities are extensive, but there are also limitations. In the research project where we have flown highest, the maximum altitude was more than 3,000 metres above the take-off position. At present, we have permission to fly up to 1,000 metres, but that is limited to a specific location. 120 metres is the altitude we can fly at generally. New permits can always be applied for when there is a need.
Free dialogue about drones in research projects
Send a brief project description and desired data collection, and we will assess how drones, sensors and methods can be used in the project.