Drones, The Gift That Keeps Giving

Drones, The Gift That Keeps Giving

Drones are increasing the panacea of the 21st-century industrial revolution. They have become an integral part of day-to-day activities marking a shift from human-driven operations to technology-driven operations which is part of the revolution ushering in industry 4.0. 

This shift has been particularly evident in the oil and gas sector although that is not an exception as a similar shift is being witnessed across several industries including in manufacturing, agriculture and military applications. 

According to GlobalData, the market size for robotics in the oil and gas sector was valued at $52.9 billion in 2021, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of over 29% from 2021 to 2030. Leading companies such as BP, Chevron, and Sinopec have adopted drones to revolutionise their operations.

Drone inspection processes have now become a norm in the oil and gas industry. While traditionally, offshore inspections required shutting down operations and deploying personnel to hazardous environments, drones have mitigated these risks by providing remote inspection capabilities which offer far superior data, and new angles of insight, enabling accurate monitoring and visual asset inspection in high-risk environments without potential human injuries.

Since the inspection process does not require extensive shutdowns, drone utilisation minimises operational downtimes and associated costs which makes it cheaper. Removing the need for humans to be present in the area of operation further cuts costs significantly as drone inspection unlike human one, does not require extensive safety precautions to ensure human safety, especially in high-risk environments.

 Operationally, drones also offer a huge cost benefit for the oil and gas sector as a single drone can be used to manage a wide array of assets, unlike human management which would need a specialised management team for each asset. 

This is made possible as depending on the needs of the asset, a single drone can be equipped with GPS sensors, visual range cameras, infrared cameras and light detection and ranging (Lidar) equipment to offer real-time evaluation of assets through a live feed. This enables quicker decision-making and more effective maintenance disaster management and planning for instance during oil leaks. 

However, drones are not only revolutionising the oil and gas sector but are also being widely adopted across various other industries, driving significant changes in operational methodologies. 

For instance, in the manufacturing sector, drones are streamlining inventory management, equipment monitoring, and facility inspections. By enabling real-time data collection and monitoring, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing human error, they are allowing predictive maintenance by identifying potential issues before they escalate, thereby minimising downtime and maintaining high productivity levels.

Agriculture has also not been left behind as the application of drones is transforming traditional farming practices through precision agriculture. Drones equipped with multispectral sensors monitor crop health, soil conditions, and irrigation systems. This data-driven approach optimises resource use, increases crop yields, and ensures sustainable farming practices.  With the growing demand for food and sustainable farming, the agricultural drone market is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. 

The military sector which was among the early pioneers of drone adoption is also increasing the role of drones. For long, this sector has long utilised drones for surveillance, reconnaissance, and tactical operations. Modern military drones are now equipped with advanced technologies such as real-time video transmission, autonomous navigation, and precision targeting. These capabilities enhance strategic planning, operational execution, and safety by reducing the need for manned missions in high-risk areas.

Moving forward, drones will continue to be an indispensable part of every industry. Their ability to enhance safety, efficiency, and data accuracy makes them indispensable tools in modern industrial operations. As technology and regulatory frameworks evolve, the scope and impact of drone applications are poised to expand, driving further innovation and growth.