The First Fully-Autonomous Drone-Based Asset Inspection System
Flycom Technologies is a beneficiary of the Call for Proposals “SME INSTRUMENT IMPLEMENTATION – PHASE 1”. As part of a public tender, Flycom Technologies carried out a feasibility study for the development of the first fully autonomous Autonomous Drone-Based Asset Inspection System (AGMS).
The feasibility study examined 4 main areas:
- Technical feasibility study
The main objective of this analysis was to provide guidance for the final development of the system. To achieve this goal, the work was divided into several sub-categories, where all system parameters were analysed (e.g. evaluation of suitable sensors, definition of optimal flight paths, analysis of the communication system, etc.). As part of the analysis, we also conducted several test flights at two locations in Slovenia to validate key technical parameters. The results of all the analyses and tests have been taken into account in the formulation of the guidelines for the final development of the system, which we intend to follow in the future.
- Market analysis
The main objective of the market analysis was to assess the potential market for an AGMS solution and to formulate a suitable business model. The primary focus of the analysis was the EU market (we also made a detailed analysis of the countries where we already have existing customers – Austria, Italy and Germany), and Russia. The potential market was further segmented into a Primary Market (transmission and (major) distribution network operators), and a Secondary Market (natural gas transmission network operators, rail and road infrastructure operators). As part of the study, we also analysed our competitors and carried out a comparative analysis of their solutions and ours. After gathering all the necessary information, we finally developed the business model that would best suit us and our customers.
- Regulatory analysis
The main objective of this chapter was to analyse the current and foreseen regulations that could have an impact on our solution and to formulate a strategy for the protection of intellectual property. In order to achieve our objectives, we have segmented the tasks into 3 main categories – regulatory analysis of the EU market; regulatory analysis of the Russian Federation market; and; formulation of an IP protection strategy.
- Preparing a business plan
In this section, we have taken into account all the conclusions drawn from the previous analyses, which have then been used as a basis for the preparation of the long-term business and financial plan and the sales strategy.
We consider the feasibility study a success, as the conclusions drawn from the study will be taken into account in the further development of the solution.
The investment is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union from the European Regional Development Fund.
Link to the European Cohesion Policy website in Slovenia: www.eu-skladi.si
