Drones are not just for hobbyists anymore. Risky and time-consuming jobs normally performed from the ground or atop towers are now carried out safely and effectively by small unmanned aerial systems (UAS), commonly known as drones. Two experts from the University of North Dakota’s aviation department will discuss UAS during a presentation titled “Using Drones for Infrastructure Inspection” 3:30-4:20 p.m. Monday, Sept. 17, at the Research and Technology Development conference at S&T.

Dr. Paul Snyder, assistant professor of aviation, and Dr. Zachery Waller, research coordinator and assistant professor of aviation, will discuss the use of UAS systems for capturing and analyzing data for infrastructure maintenance in the energy industry.

Aerial inspection using drones can be a fast and cost-effective solution for shorter inspection intervals, early detection of damage and access to otherwise inaccessible structures. This enables operators and agencies to detect issues earlier and resolve problems faster. These drones can use high-resolution, infrared and hyperspectral cameras to aid inspection. Bridges, wind turbines and pipelines are a few examples of items ideal for drone inspection.

In collaboration with the University of North Dakota, private sector power transmission and utility supply chain solution providers work to advance both synoptic survey of the right-of-way and point inspections of specific infrastructure. The presentation will examine data produced by UAS and the methods supporting its collection.

To register and view the full Research and Technology Development conference schedule, visit rtd2018.mst.edu. Attendees will be eligible to attend a free social with a band and fireworks. Food and drink will be provided. For more information, please email IT research support services at itrss@mst.edu.