Q&A: How drones are transforming processes in the construction sector

Matthew Swinney, head of image sensing solutions at Sony Europe (Photo: Sony Europe)

Q. How are drones currently being used in the construction sector?

A. Drones are used mostly for their ability to provide unprecedented access and monitoring capabilities. The high-quality imagery that drones can capture means those in the construction sector can have a comprehensive view of their work, without the need for heavy machinery which would usually be needed to survey sites and conduct safety procedures.

For example, before the use of drones, safety work was often reactive, only being conducted when the damage was visually clear and already causing problems. Now, with the convenience of drone technology that allows for high-detail imagery, the construction sector has a convenient and effective way of surveying structural damage before it’s too late.

Q. Where are operational efficiencies being delivered?

A. Construction is just one part of the job within the sector; maintenance and upkeep of the building are just as vital, if not more so. Traditionally, maintenance work would require a whole host of resources, from technicians, scaffolders and scaffolding, and not least heavy machinery. These resources bring disruption, often disturbing the work and the people that are within these buildings. The use of drones alleviates this issue. By locating causes of concern within the structure of a building before it becomes a genuine problem, the remedy does not have to be as extreme, and therefore maintenance is far more effective with the deployment of drones.

As well as minimising disruption, this proactive approach to maintenance is far less time-consuming. As opposed to requiring a host of specialists and equipment for a safety inspection, all that is required is a capable drone and a capable drone operator. The risk to life is near null when it is a drone inspecting tight spots, as opposed to a person. This drastic reduction in cost and risk to inspection means it is a far safer, and therefore a far quicker process.

Q. Are there other ways that drone data is being leveraged by the sector?

A. The high-resolution imagery offered by drones does not just give insight to problems, but potential opportunities too. By offering building contractors a complete, and comprehensive view of the site, data-driven decisions can be made to decide how to approach the task at hand, ensuring the best decisions are being made from the start. In conjunction with other tech, such as thermal imaging sensors, drones can be used to collate data about temperature anomalies, to uncover issues such as condensation and dampness.

As well as being utilised during the construction process, drones also can be an asset in the stages before construction even begins. The 3D mapping capabilities that are possible with the right camera also mean a rigorous and comprehensive inspection can be made of all sites that are being considered for the next construction project.

Q. Why is the choice of camera used in drones so important?

A. For providing visual imagery and surveillance, a drone is only as good as the camera that it accompanies during its flight time. Therefore, the choice of camera is vital, as a drone needs a camera that can provide top quality imagery to ensure you are gaining vital information from the flight, but also one that seamlessly integrates with the drone itself, ensuring a smooth flight. 

Q. What should be taken into account when choosing the camera?

A. It’s vital to consider compatibility with the drone. Having a great drone and a great camera is not necessarily enough. Factors such as size and battery life must be given careful consideration when choosing what camera should be used with drone technology.

A camera that can capture fabulous shots in detail is null if the drone is too heavy or large to fly into the spaces required to have a comprehensive view of the desired area. Moreover, a drone that runs out of battery quickly due to the additional payload of the camera will hardly be an effective tool for surveying and mapping large construction projects. Then, when choosing what camera to use, it should be considered if the camera has been purpose-built for industrial application.

Q. What future developments might we see in drone-based image capture, especially with AI and machine learning more of a role?

A. AI and machine learning are complete game changers when it comes to the capability and future development of drone-based image capture. Utilising AI, drones can flag and identify minuscule details such as cracks, chips and general wear and tear, which the human eye from afar would struggle to spot. AI can also be used to help drones adapt their navigation paths to avoid collision, which is integral for keeping hardware intact in those more confined and tight spaces often found on construction sites.

AI only becomes more advanced as more images, flights logs and 3D models become available. And through machine learning – a training process that ensures the AI technology a drone uses is constantly being enhanced - the future of drone-based image capture looks promising.