SwissDrones Partners with Southern Company to Revolutionize Energy Infrastructure Monitoring

SwissDrones is making critically important strides in North America by securing its inaugural hardware agreement with Southern Company, a prominent U.S. energy provider.

Innovative Solutions for Infrastructure Management

Southern Company plans to utilize the SwissDrones SDO 50 to enhance its maintenance strategies, streamline infrastructure monitoring, and conduct rapid assessments following storm damage.

advanced Technology in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

The SDO 50,a cutting-edge unmanned helicopter,stands out as one of the first UAVs exceeding 55 lbs to receive approval in over 30 nations for long-range,beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations. This capability positions it as a leader in the industry.

Cost-effective and Eco-Friendly Alternatives

With its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) features and considerable payload capacity, the SDO 50 presents a highly economical alternative to traditional manned aircraft. Additionally, it offers a sustainable option, perhaps decreasing CO₂ emissions by as much as 95%.

Commitment to Clean Energy

incorporating this technology aligns with Southern Company’s dedication to leveraging advanced innovations to provide clean, safe, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.

industry Trends and Future Prospects

This partnership signifies SwissDrones’ entry into the North American market, reflecting a broader trend within the industry towards the adoption of advanced uncrewed systems for essential infrastructure monitoring and emergency response.

Expert Insights on the collaboration

Ulrich Amberg, CEO of SwissDrones, stated, “Energy companies face numerous challenges in maintaining their critical infrastructure, from increasing extreme weather events to outdated inspection methods. Our collaboration with Southern Company will facilitate more efficient aerial surveillance and inspections to address these issues.”

Dean Barefield, UAS program manager at Southern Company, remarked, “Working with SwissDrones allows us to innovate our aerial inspection and infrastructure maintenance processes. The SDO 50 marks our first deployment of a large unmanned aerial system (UAS), considerably extending our operational capabilities across our power lines in the Southeast and our natural gas infrastructure. This technology will enhance our data collection for both electric and gas operations, ultimately improving service for all our customers.”