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INSPECTION

Using robotics to access those hard to reach places: better, safer, faster. 

HOW IT WORKS

WHAT IS AN UNMANNED AERIAL INSPECTION ?

Generally speaking, an "inspection" is a formal evaluation of an object or activity that involves measurements or tests applied to certain characteristics. In particular, unmanned aerial systems ("drones") allow inspection teams to access views of their targets that were previously cost prohibitive, unsafe, or just impossible. For example, to obtain high quality thermal visuals of a rooftop, it is best practice to take IR imagery from a 12-15 feet above the roof. Traditionally, this would require an inspector hauling a ladder up to the roof and then standing on that ladder, something accomplished much more cost effectively and safely by piloting a drone from the ground. The objective of an inspection may be quantitative, or qualitative, or both. Quantitative inspections focus on obtaining and evaluating measurements, such as accurate temperature estimates in the case of a thermal inspection. Qualitative inspections rely more on subject matter expertise, such as recognition of improperly installed valley flashing on a roof.

PROJECT PLANNING

Project planning is integral prior to conducting an inspection. There are often several stakeholders involved, and can be large costs associated with failure or misdiagnosis. Project planning at Tenbo Air starts with identification of all stakeholders on the team, and each stakeholder's subject matter expertise and objectives. Once objectives have been confirmed, we then determine which stakeholders must be present in the field and the nature of the inspection: quantitative, qualitative, or both. Understanding whether the inspection is quantitative or qualitative determines our field personnel and technology, and inspires the tactical requirements and procedures for the team during data acquisition.

DATA ACQUISITION

Tenbo Air has the ability to inspect areas and objects both qualitatively and quantitatively, from the ground and the air. Depending on requirements and procedures set during project planning, the Tenbo Air field crew may deploy to the target independently, or together with a client or 3rd party subject matter expert. Once out in the field, our field engineers use available technologies and experience to bridge the gap of "how" best to acquire the inspection data, to achieve the end objective. Conditions in the field almost always deviate from the "ideal" and imaginable contingencies assumed during project planning. Weather and local environmental conditions, minimum safe distance to the target, proximity of hazards, contingency plans, and ground control are some of the numerous constantly evolving constraints that must be optimized in the field. Acquired data may be scrutinized in real-time in the field or office via live-feed, or analyzed and delivered to stakeholders following the inspection.

PROCESSING AND ANALYTICS

Depending on the nature of the inspection, some or all of the processing and analysis of the inspection data may occur our in the field, or afterwards in the office. As early as the project planning stage, it is important to set expectations for if and how data acquisition efforts might evolve heuristically in the field with the addition of new data and insights. For purely qualitative analysis and decision-making, subject matter expertise is key. For quantitative analysis, additional importance is placed on proper operation of the technology and measurement tools, establishing control, and understanding of potentials for error.

DELIVERY

Once all necessary analysis, field adjustments, and processing has been completed, the data is double-checked for completeness and quality, re-organized and re-labeled, and in most cases uploaded to a secure cloud database of the client's choosing for safe keeping and easy access by all stakeholders. In certain cases, particularly when the locations of data relative to the target are important to visualize, and there is a large quantity of data, the final deliverable will include a geographic representation of data collection efforts: a map with datapoint geotags and metadata. The Tenbo Air analytics team will work with the various stakeholders on a project to optimize ease of access and security. Though not required, we prefer to work with our clients until their final objectives have been confirmed and all stakeholders are satisfied.

INSPECTIONS IN ACTION

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