Utilization of drones for expanded on-site inspections

Exterior wall diagnosis for buildings is crucial for maintaining safety, durability, and asset value. Among these, exterior wall inspections requiring scaffolding are extensive and result in significant time and cost implications for the survey.

However, utilizing drones offers a solution to these challenges. Moreover, for tall buildings where conventional infrared cameras cannot reach, infrared-equipped drones enable swift and thorough inspections without difficulty.

Inspections of civil infrastructure and structures, as well as other fields

Our team of experienced specialists with extensive expertise will provide prompt inspections and accurate reports.

Our drone inspection services are conducted by experienced inspectors with a wealth of knowledge, who have been providing comprehensive inspection and renovation services for buildings and civil structures. Leveraging optimal filming conditions and analyzing the results obtained, we cater to our clients' needs by providing appropriate analysis of the subject matter. From capturing images to analyzing deterioration conditions and planning future renovations, we ensure peace of mind and high quality through a one-stop service with drones.

Drone platforms utilized for inspections

- DRONE INSPECTION -

DJI MATRICE 300 RTK

DJI's latest professional-grade drone equipped with a high-precision RTK kit for navigation and positioning. Designed with inspiration from modern aviation systems, it features cutting-edge AI capabilities, six-directional sensing and positioning technology, and a plethora of functions tailored for various industrial applications.

<Infrared camera:ZENMUSE XT2>

The next-generation commercial thermal solution, equipped with a thermal sensor and a 4K visual camera. Featuring DJI's cutting-edge stabilizer tech-nology and machine intelligence.

<Utilization Example1>Exterior Wall Inspection of Buildings

- DRONE INSPECTION -

Regular exterior wall inspections and submission of reports are mandated for buildings such as houses, apartments, and office buildings. While conventional full-scale hammering inspections with scaffolding were the norm, cost-effective infrared camera inspections are now also accepted. As a result, the use of infrared camera inspections has been increasing in recent years. However, in areas where capturing images with infrared cameras is challenging, utilizing drones equipped with infrared cameras allows for imaging in otherwise difficult-to-reach locations.

<Utilization Example2>Inspection of Solar Panels

- DRONE INSPECTION -

Traditionally, the inspection of solar panels involves manual visual inspection while conducting electrical measurements. Naturally, as the scale increases, this process becomes labor-intensive and costly. By utilizing drones equipped with infrared cameras, temperature differences that manifest as anomalies on the surface of the panels can be visualized when captured from above. This allows for efficient work as inspectors can focus on the identified areas.

<Utilization Example3>Inspection of High-rise Buildings and Structures

- DRONE INSPECTION -

In the case of tall structures such as iron towers or chimneys where inspections are challenging and capturing images with an infrared camera from the ground is difficult, drones prove particularly advantageous.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Drone Inspection

- DRONE INSPECTION -

Drones can streamline building inspection tasks, but there are inevitably drawbacks. Without assessing how much inspection accuracy is required, simply opting for drones based on cost alone may lead to potential issues later on. At Sugitec, we provide appropriate diagnostic proposals based on the desired level of accuracy.

Benefits of Drone Inspection

  1. Cost benefits due to the absence of scaffolding erection.
  2. There are no risks as the work can be carried out without having to ascend to high altitudes.
  3. It is possible to capture wide areas in a short amount of time.

Disadvantages of Drone Inspection

  1. Subject to weather conditions such as wind and rain.
  2. There is a potential for GPS anomalies in areas with strong magnetism, such as power lines.
  3. There is a risk of collision or crash.

The most crucial aspect is the analysis technique

- DRONE INSPECTION -

When utilizing drones for inspecting architectural structures, the most crucial aspect lies in the analysis and interpretation of the inspection results. While there are many specialists in drone flight photography, conducting diagnostics from captured data requires deep knowledge and expertise in architecture and structural engineering.

At Sugitec, we have accumulated years of experience and a track record of diagnosing and renovating buildings. With our expertise and technical capabilities, we can provide solid problem-solving methods, from identifying issues in the data to suggesting repair solutions. We are committed to meeting our clients' needs with our knowledge and skills.

【Reference Cost】Drone Infrared Inspection of High-rise Apartment Exterior Walls

Building Overview

Subject Building: Reinforced Concrete (RC) Construction, 25 Stories Above Ground
Survey Area: 9000 square meters

内容数量単価価格
Drone Infrared Inspection
※Includes Flight Permit Application Fee
9000 square meters200yen1,800,000yen
Report and ExpensesOne Set300,000yen
合計2,100,000yen
※This is a reference price and may vary depending on the site conditions and timing.