2024-10-23 09:59:00
In the early 1920s, the professional use of drones had a bright future. From monitoring large crops to home deliveries to digitally managing building construction, it would have become impossible to do without these flying cameras full of sensors. The prophecy is far from fulfilled.
While modern battlefields have made the drone a formidable weapon within the reach of fighters, the only civilian areas in which its use has established itself are security-related activities, work inspections and some niche activities. Drone Volt, which in recent months has increased the launches of new products and closed the first half of the year with a turnover growing by 49.3%, to 23.6 million euros, strives to remain faithful to this reality.
This company, listed on the stock exchange and based in Villepinte (Seine-Saint-Denis), produces its drones itself to cover the maximum of uses and “made to measure”. “We develop a global approach by developing and producing our devices but also adapting them to specific needs and providing training services”underlines Marc Courcelle, its general director.
Drone Volt is counting a lot on the success of LineDrone, its latest innovation that has just been released. This eight-motor device is the only one capable of operating on high voltage lines of 315,000 volts to carry out inspection missions without having to interrupt the electrical supply. Designed with Hydro-Québec, Canada’s largest electricity producer, this Faraday cage-protected drone lands on a cable and travels along it using roller motors before taking off again.
European identity
LineDrone is equipped with a camera and sensors to check the state of corrosion of the sleeves that connect the segments of high voltage cables with greater precision and at a lower cost than helicopters equipped with thermal cameras that usually carry out this type of operation. With a turnover of around 300,000 euros, the LineDrone (wingspan of 1.35 metres) is also available for rental.
In the Drone Volt catalog there are also powerful drones capable of unwinding cables to ensure the assembly of cable cars, of transporting lidar (laser remote sensing) as part of mapping operations, of checking the state of wind turbine blades or the structure of bridges , to remove moss from roofs or to clean windows on the facades of buildings that are difficult to access. The company also distributes long-range devices intended for inspecting highway sections or carrying out surveillance missions for the national Navy.
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Drone Expert Marc Courcelle
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, Marc, and thank you for joining us today. Drone technology has been a hot topic in various industries lately. Your company, Drone Volt, has experienced impressive growth—49.3% increase in turnover in the first half of the year. Can you share what you attribute this success to?
Marc Courcelle (MC): Good morning! Thank you for having me. Our growth can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, we have focused on developing specialized drones that meet specific needs across various sectors. Our approach of providing custom solutions, coupled with extensive training services, ensures that our clients can maximize the potential of our products.
TNE: It sounds like a comprehensive strategy. In the early 1920s, there was significant optimism about the potential of drones beyond military applications. Why do you think we haven’t seen widespread civilian adoption of drones for tasks like crop monitoring or home deliveries, as originally envisioned?
MC: That’s an excellent question. While drone technology has advanced remarkably since then, regulatory challenges, public perception, and technical limitations have hindered broader implementation in many civilian areas. For instance, in agriculture, drones are great for monitoring crops, but there’s still a learning curve for farmers to integrate this technology effectively into their operations.
TNE: Speaking of regulatory challenges, can you elaborate on how these regulations impact Drone Volt’s operations and product development?
MC: Absolutely. Regulations dictate how and when drones can be flown, especially in populated areas. We have to design our drones with these constraints in mind, making sure they meet safety and compliance standards. It also involves working closely with regulatory bodies to not only comply but also advocate for more favorable conditions for drone use in civilian contexts.
TNE: It’s fascinating that Drone Volt focuses on adapting its products to meet specific needs. Can you provide some examples of niche markets where your drones are making an impact?
MC: Certainly! We’ve seen significant demand in areas like construction site inspections, where our drones perform aerial surveys and monitor progress in real-time. This reduces the need for scaffolding or ground-based inspections, thereby enhancing safety and efficiency. Additionally, drones are gaining traction in security applications—such as surveillance and patrolling—allowing for better resource allocation.
TNE: There seems to be a lot talking about the security-related use of drones. Do you believe this focus on security will shape the future of drone technology, or do you envision a more balanced application across different sectors?
MC: While security applications are growing, I remain optimistic about a more balanced future. Drones have incredible potential in various fields, including agriculture, infrastructure maintenance, and environmental monitoring. As technology, regulations, and public acceptance evolve, we’re likely to see a broader deployment of drones that goes beyond security-focused applications.
TNE: Moving forward, what are some of the exciting innovations or products that Drone Volt is working on? Any sneak peeks you can provide?
MC: We’re constantly innovating! Currently, we’re developing more sophisticated sensors that will greatly enhance data collection capabilities for industries like agriculture and construction. We’re also exploring advancements in AI for our drones, enabling them to analyze and respond to their environments autonomously. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, expect some exciting announcements soon!
TNE: That sounds promising! Before we wrap up, what message would you like to share with our readers about the future of drone technology?
MC: I would urge everyone to keep an open mind about the potential of drones. They are not just tools for warfare; they have a transformative potential across various sectors. As technology continues to advance and regulations adapt, I believe we’ll start to see drones become an integral part of our daily lives, helping us solve complex challenges in innovative ways.
TNE: Thank you, Marc. It’s been a pleasure discussing the evolving world of drones and the role Drone Volt is playing in shaping its future. We look forward to your exciting developments ahead!
MC: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure to share our vision.