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48 “The trajectory with which the crane moves materials is calculated using algorithms based on aerospace mathematical models, as they fly based on three-axes of movement – the same as the crane’s trolley. Our CTO and co- founder Mor Ram-On has experience of developing such types of guidance and control algorithms for aerospace and defence, which he brought into IntSite.” AutoSite100 is centred on a single COTS camera on the crane’s trolley, which provides a continuous feed of the ground area in front of the crane and the load suspended from it. The visual data is processed using IntSite’s AI software, which has been trained using machine learning for object detection and classification. Also, the computer controlling the crane determines where the trolley and crane arm are by recognising which part of the construction site the terrain below matches, and how far away it is (for altitude). “By using largely COTS sensors and processors we keep the system cost- effective,” Ravid-Elad adds. “If we’re integrating on older cranes, then we have to install some electromechanical systems for more ‘by-wire’ controllability, as well as GNSS for geo-referencing, but more advanced cranes often already have those.” Construction surveys UK-based UAV operator Texo DSI has acquired three Elios 2 UAVs from Flyability. The UAVs, which are recognisable by their distinctive cages for avoiding damage when flying in confined spaces, are to be added to Texo DSI’s already considerable fleet of unmanned systems used for inspections and survey flights in architectural, maintenance and civil engineering projects. The company had previously used the Elios 1, but found its cage interfered with image capture. Also, it was difficult to detect the scale of defects during inspections with the sensors it could carry. The Elios 2 features a 4K camera and thermal imager positioned at an opening in the front of the cage though, which has enabled a wider range of 3D modelling capabilities, making it ideal for the company’s purposes. “We recently had 15 km of firewalls inside warehouses to inspect, and we needed to accurately measure the size of any defects in its flame-resistant material for a quantity surveyor,” explains James Arnott, head of operations and remote sensing at Texo DSI. “We can use the Elios 2 to take a single snapshot and then use our measuring tools on that, or build up a photogrammetric model and gauge the scale using other methods.” Including the 4K camera, the 1.45 kg Elios 2 has seven vision and distance sensors for stability. That enables it to be ‘locked’ at a certain distance from an inspection target (such as a structural fault) while circling around it, or to reorient itself after an impact against the cage. “Also, one of our biggest customers is in the nuclear sector, and you don’t want to send people in to do those inspections, erecting scaffolding to check conditions in centrifuges and so on. We’ve therefore developed visual inspection tools using UAVs and UGVs designed and built in-house to get into cramped and subterranean areas.” Texo DSI also makes customised payloads for these UAVs and UGVs if a client’s needs cannot be satisfied by COTS sensors. The payloads sometimes use detectors from stripped-down thermal cameras, or Lidar electronics repackaged to reduce weight so that it can be installed on a UAV, for example. “One recent client had a brownfield development site and wanted to take samples from a holding pond. Health and December/January 2020 | Unmanned Systems Technology Texo DSI has expanded its fleet of unmanned systems and payloads for surveying construction sites, structures and condemned buildings (Courtesy of Texo DSI) By using UAVs you reduce risks and expense. We’ve done jobs in half a day that previously took teams many days to complete