Process Optimization for Critical Infrastructure Inspections with Stantec, Skydio & gNext

Integrating autonomous drones with advanced data processing platforms has transformed infrastructure inspection and maintenance in today’s fast-paced technological landscape.

In a recent webinar, “Continuous Process Optimization of Critical Infrastructure and Inspection,” experts from Skydio, Stantec, and gNext discussed how the right technology can transform critical infrastructure workflows.

Key Participants in the Webinar:

  • Lee McMillian from Skydio moderated the session.
  • Russ Ellis, President of gNext, shared insights into gNext’s role in the collaboration and how the gNext Platform supports data management.
  • Josh Sexton, Reality Capture Technology Manager at Stantec, highlighted operational benefits and a real-world application of Skydio drones and the gNext Platform.

The webinar, sponsored by Skydio and hosted by Commercial UAV News, focused on how automation, high-quality data capture, and seamless cloud integration enable teams to optimize their inspection processes.

This case study delves into how Skydio’s cutting-edge drone technology and gNext’s robust cloud-based platform have collaborated to streamline and optimize critical infrastructure inspections.

The Challenge: Optimizing Data Collection & Inspection Workflow

Traditional infrastructure inspections have been time-consuming, labor-intensive, and filled with safety concerns.

Manual data collection involves hazardous on-the-ground work, such as surveying remote areas or inspecting hard-to-reach structural elements like bridge girders. Traditional inspection methods involve:

  • Manual data collection by engineers or surveyors.
  • Use of snooper trucks or scaffolding.
  • High-risk activities like climbing structures.
  • Significant traffic disruptions.

These methods are not only hazardous but also inefficient. There was an urgent need for a solution that could provide high-quality data while minimizing risks to personnel and reducing operational disruptions.

In addition to traditional inspection challenges, the collection and processing of inspection data have been siloed, creating workflow bottlenecks.

The Solution: gNext Platform, Skydio Drones, & Stantec’s Integrated Approach

gNext plays a pivotal role in streamlining the inspection process by providing a comprehensive cloud-based platform that integrates seamlessly with drone technology.

The software processes drone data automatically from the cloud, making it easy for users to understand, manage, and visualize the inspection data, helping to eliminate data silos that traditionally hinder efficient workflows. Features include:

  • AI-Powered Defect Detection: Automatically identifies defects such as cracks, rust spots, and vegetation encroachment from high-resolution images.
  • 3D Modeling: Creates accurate 3D models from photogrammetry data captured by drones.
  • Integration with Skydio Cloud: Seamless data transfer from Skydio drones to gNext’s platform for immediate processing.

“We’ve been into the field on numerous occasions… they listen to us and help us achieve our goals with their products.” Josh Sexton, Stantec

Skydio

Skydio’s autonomous drones, specifically the Skydio X2 and X10 models, have advanced AI-powered navigation systems that enable them to navigate complex environments autonomously. Key features include:

  • Obstacle Avoidance: Six navigation cameras create a 360-degree view around the drone, allowing it to avoid obstacles autonomously.
  • High-resolution Imaging: Equipped with state-of-the-art cameras that capture detailed images even in challenging conditions.
  • Night Sense Module: Allows operations in low-light environments by illuminating the area using integrated lights.

Stantec

Stantec has been at the forefront of leveraging the combined technology of gNext and Skydio. Engineers use Skydio drones to collect aerial data from bridges and other infrastructure elements, while gNext processes and analyzes the data seamlessly.

Bridge Inspection at Stantec

A prime example discussed in the webinar was a bridge inspection project in which gNext and Skydio collaborated to deliver impressive results.

Using the Night Sense module, Skydio drones autonomously collected visual data from the O’Callahan Tillman Bridge, including hard-to-reach areas between the bridge girders.

The data collected was processed into 3D models and thoroughly inspected using gNext, enabling the Stantec team to identify defects, measure structural issues, and plan repairs precisely.

The collaboration between gNext, Skydio, and Stantec was so successful that the client requested the team repeat the inspection regularly, demonstrating the value of autonomous data collection and integrated software solutions.

“We’re really happy with the results. The client was so happy they asked us to repeat this on cadence… We all came together in a partnering scenario for a deliverable that exceeded the client’s expectations.” Josh Sexton, Stantec

Key Benefits & Outcomes

Integrating Skydio’s autonomous drones and gNext’s advanced data processing platform offers several key benefits and outcomes for infrastructure inspection and maintenance:

  • Faster, Autonomous Data Collection: Skydio drones provide the ability to fly autonomously, minimizing manual control needs, improving safety, and reducing the risk associated with dangerous locations like under bridge decks or in confined spaces.
  • Improved Data Accuracy: With the cloud integration through gNext, data is automatically integrated, reducing errors and improving consistency. Skydio drones capture highly accurate geospatial data, which is essential for creating 3D models and visual intelligence that can be used for detailed inspection.
  • Quick Data Processing: Immediate upload and analysis using AI reduces turnaround times.
  • Optimized Workflows: By leveraging gNext and Skydio’s autonomous drone capabilities, teams can quickly capture and process inspection data. This integration eliminates the need for manual data uploads and ensures a smoother, faster handoff between data collection and analysis.
  • Increased Efficiency: The combined use of gNext and drones has drastically reduced the time required to complete inspections. Stantec reported saving up to 90% of the time traditionally spent on inspection tasks, allowing their teams to focus on validation and decision-making.
  • Real-Time Collaboration: Data flows seamlessly from Skydio drones to the gNext Platform, enabling teams to collaborate in real time. This is particularly valuable in complex projects where multiple stakeholders must review data and make decisions quickly.
  • Increased Safety: The ability to deploy drones in hazardous environments without putting human workers at risk has dramatically improved safety. Drones can access dangerous locations like high bridges, tunnels, and industrial structures, whereas traditional methods require costly and risky interventions such as scaffolding or manual inspections.
  • Minimized Traffic Disruptions: Inspections can be conducted without extensive road closures or public interference.

The Future of Infrastructure Inspection

As Josh Sexton and Russ Ellis mentioned in the webinar, this partnership sets new benchmarks in the industry by enhancing efficiency, improving safety standards, and delivering superior data quality.

Additionally, innovations like Skydio’s Night Sense technology have expanded the potential use cases for these solutions. The ability to capture high-quality data at night or in GPS-denied environments has made it possible to inspect infrastructure in challenging conditions without specialized equipment, a game-changer for the industry.

Integrating Skydio drones with the gNext Platform significantly improves data collection speed and accuracy, creating opportunities for more comprehensive and continuous infrastructure monitoring over time.

Watch the on-demand webinar to learn more!

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