Dronebox Autonomous Recharging Station Lets UAVs Operate For Months

Small unmanned drones can be used for all sorts of purposes from providing video surveillance of an area to using their sensors to keep check on air quality and lots more. The challenge is that a human needs to be there to handle the refueling and recharging of these drones to keep them operating. That is changing with a new product called the Dronebox. Dronebox is an autonomous recharging station that allows UAVs to charge without intervention from a human.

The automated recharging station can be left on site where the drones are operating allowing the UAVs to operate without assistance for months at a time. The drone can land on the Dronebox platform where it is then charged inside the shelter of the box using solar panels. Dronebox charging stations can also be upgraded using a device dubbed the Remobox that provides a back-up fuel cell that allows the extension of remote deployments for a year or more.

Remobox also adds in some communication features and environmental monitoring ensuring the drone using the charging station is operating in ideal conditions. Dronebox also allows operators to link drones and Droneboxes giving multiple devices the ability to interconnect and share data channeling it through a unified analytics system.

The Droneboxes themselves could be networked with sensors to provide border and perimeter security and help with maintenance tasks for wind turbines, mobile phone tower maintained, oil and gas inspection and more. The first public appearance for Dronebox happened at the Singapore Air Show this month. The Dronebox, Remobox, and other technologies associated with the drone system are expected to come to market in the next six months. It's not spelled out, but it appeared the drones that use the system are able to recharge wirelessly inside the charging box.

SOURCE: Gizmag