microdrones News
Read about the TOP 5 LATEST NEWS on the left side. To see all Press Releases simply scroll down and learn about how microdrones is successfully involved worldwide with its platforms for each companies benefit.
microdrone md4-1000 crosses the Alps
Published on 14.06.2013 by Michael Thoss
Record endurance test: a microdrone md4-1000 flies over the Saint-Gotthard Massif
On Wednesday morning, a microdrone md4-1000 managed something that no other quadrocopter below 7kg has yet been able to achieve: equipped with an HD camera, and in adverse conditions, it set off in Switzerland crossed the Saint-Gotthard Massif heading into the direction of Italy. The complex record flight, which took almost 25 minutes, was monitored by a professional stunt and film team. Helicopters and many cameras accompanied the unmanned system on its journey over the Alps. Numerous companies took part in the experiment – including Mercedes-Benz.
>> Read the full article
Usually, unmanned system are an ambivalent topic in public debate. But often it is forgotten how flexible and important Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems can be for civil purposes – and how powerful RPASs are. The German company microdrones GmbH has now proven the latter with an adventurous experiment: its type md4-1000 RPAS crossed the Alps via the Saint-Gotthard Massif between Hospental and Airolo.
A complex challenge
"Such a flight is a very complex challenge for a remote-controlled quadrocopter, which requires a long flight time, precision and durability from the RPA. There are many unpredictable factors. That's why nobody has had a go at this experiment yet," explains microdrones CEO Sven Juerss, who personally accompanied the md4-1000 from a Mercedes-Benz SL 63 AMG. "It makes me incredibly proud that we were actually able to do it."
Over 1,600 meters height differences
The md4-1000 flew fully automatically across the entire distance of around 12 kilometres in GPS waypoint mode and avoided power and telephone lines as well as a cable car. To complicate things, it also faced various severe weather conditions in the form of sun and snow influences as well as differences in altitude of more than 1.600 metres. "The varied route will give us fantastic recordings," predicts Juerss. "At one point it was very close. We underestimated the snow at the peak and had to correct the flight path under great time constraints – it nearly turned into a sleigh ride."
The strong wind also presented a further, almost unpredictable obstacle which became even more intensive due to the temperature differences. "The cold wind practically fell down the mountain on the south side – it's a bit like doing a halfpipe on a skateboard – except that that skateboard is remote-controlled," says Juerss.
The experiment was fastidiously prepared several months beforehand: the route was precisely measured and divided into 18 waypoints, obstacles had to be documented and mapped.
Many companies took part in the preparation and realisation of the project: Daimler AG, for example, made Mercedes-Benz vehicles available. Sony Deutschland, Carl Zeiss AG and the hardware and software developer u-blox also supported the remarkable endurance test.
International experts
"We had a fantastic team here without whom this experiment would not have been possible," says Juerss. Five flight operators for the launch, ground, air, landing and waypoints monitored the pre-programmed flight. In order to precisely document the record and to produce the best possible pictures, microdrones specially flew in a professional stunt and film crew from the USA. The action professionals, who are usually booked for major blockbuster productions, were impressed by their small, remote-controlled colleague. The team was rounded off by professional RPAS pilots, precision drivers and engineers.
microdrones had already set a record at the start of 2012 when the company used a film to document the fact that the md4-1000 can hover in the air for a duration of 88 minutes without outside influences. Juerss explains: "These endurance tests are very important. It is often forgotten that microdrones are often used to help in catastrophes or to further science. And in such cases, endurance, durability and reliability are of paramount importance."
microdrones will publish the film material recorded during the Alpine crossing soon.
RPAS - A New Way of Flying (EC report)
Published on 07.05.2013 by Michael Thoss
The European Commission published a report about the boost that RPAS can bring to the European industry
RPAS can offer a wide range of civil applications for the benefit of European citizens and businesses. Being remotely piloted, RPA can perform tasks that manned systems cannot perform, either for safety or for economic reasons.
>> Read the full article
RPAS are well suited for long duration monitoring tasks or risky flights into ash clouds. They can efficiently complement existing manned aircraft or satellites infrastructure used by governments in crisis management, border control or fire fighting.
>> Read full EC report
RPAS can also deliver profitable commercial aerial services in various areas, such as in precision agriculture and fisheries, power or gas line monitoring, infrastructure inspection, communications and broadcast services, wireless communication relay and satellite augmentation systems, natural resources monitoring, media and entertainment, digital mapping, land and wildlife management, air quality control and management.
microdrones unveils the new md4-3000
Published on 26.03.2013 by Michael Thoss
Aerodynamically designed and patented: The new md4-3000 - Unleashes Power!
The new microdrone md4-3000 was just presented to the public at the IDEX and CeBIT trade shows. Therefore, it is now time to provide more insight information into the currently largest and most powerful member of the microdrones product line: The microdrone md4-3000 - Unleashes Power!
>> Read the full article
The task was clearly defined right from the beginning:
More payload and long range without any compromise in terms of dynamics - this of course along with increased quality in the manufacturing process. In particular, the new carbon fiber body, which has improved strength properties of the components combined with less weight, creates a new reference standard: md4-3000 - Unleashes Power!
The newly developed motors provide even more power for the md4-3000. The optimized 3-blade rotors with preset-able pitch permit safe operations up to 4000m above "zero".
The new on-board electronics keeps the situation under control - more precise than ever. For the microdrones own flight- and navigation-controller "mdFNC“ more computing power is available. Not only the new, GPS-based flight functions do benefit from this; the new in-house Real Time Operating System mdOS can now develop its "muscles" freely and thus connects everything to a well-coordinated unit.
The proven technology of mdBlackBox still provides access to all flight data. The core of the position control was also completely improved. The "mdIMU" is now based on a new six-axis sensor, which ensures even higher precision, and higher temperature resistance at the same time. Thus, manufacturing tolerances have been reduced.
Technical Drawing
md4-3000 - preliminary technical details:
Maximum Take-Off weight: 15 kg
Payload weight: 3 kg
Cruising speed“: ~ 16 m/s
Flight time: about 45 min
Flight Radius: up to 50 km
Service Ceiling: 4.000 m
Temperature Range -10 / +50 °C
Dimensions: H 360 / L 2052 / B 1888 mm
Increased airspeed:
Thanks to the patented, aerodynamic design of the new md4-3000 in combination with the new, more powerful motors, a higher airspeed - along with low CW as well as first "real" CA values - is achieved. The md4-3000 is the first microdrone that produces an aerodynamic lift - such as a wing from an aircraft - during a flight heading forth. As a result the md4-3000 achieves higher flight performances and yet at the same time is saving the battery.
Higher Range:
Due to the optimized aerodynamics along with the higher maximum speed the flight radius also expands to a maximum - despite to the high payload. The enlarged flight battery delivers outstanding energy density for both, dynamic maneuvers as well as for long-distance flights.
Increased payload capacity:
The payload capacity of 3kg speaks for itself. Who knows microdrones knows what that means!
Flexibility, as it is required:
The md4-3000 expands the "platform idea". The open interface "mdSI²" and the SDK "mdFlexControl" ensure a high degree of flexibility for the user and also for the product line itself: Missing a specific function? No problem - microdrones allows you, together or independently, implementing new features for your microdrone. Even those, who won’t take advantage of this technical flexibility, can stay on the ground in a calm way. Thanks to the continuously further developed ground station software "mdCockpit" you can always keep an eye on everything. Simply: "Your eye in the sky ..."
Quality-conscious overall system:
The microdrone md4-3000 is also resistant to rain, snow or dust. All components of the new aerial platform are completely developed, designed and manufactured in-house at microdrones. Quality "Made in Germany".
European Premiere: md4-3000 at CeBIT
Published on 05.03.2013 by Michael Thoss
The new microdrone md4-3000 together with the 3D Multimedia Glasses “cinemizer OLED” (ZEISS) at high tech exhibition CeBIT in Hannover (ZEISS booth, Hall 15, A20).
At CeBIT 2013, the European premiere of the new microdrone md4-3000 takes place. In addition to the already existing aerial platforms microdrone md4-200 and microdrone md4-1000, which are available on the market for more than 7 years now, the third unmanned aerial platform is joining the microdrones family: The new, patented aerodynamic design of the md4-3000 is capable of achieving maximum range with more efficient and even faster flight characteristics along with a higher payload capacity.
>> Read the full article
Whether in rescue operations, inspections jobs at industrial plants or in search and rescue missions - wherever a quick and comprehensive overview is needed, the remote-controlled flying microdrones platforms are in use – every day and worldwide.
In collaboration with the optical and opto-electronics company Carl Zeiss (www.zeiss.com) microdrones supports the 3D multimedia glasses "cinemizer OLED".
cinemizer product manager Franz Troppenhagen explains:
"With an integrated battery, a light weight of 80 grams on the nose and an advanced display technology, the cinemizer OLED is optimized for mobile use. Thus a user immediately will see what is right in front of the UAV camera - anytime and anywhere."
At the CeBIT ZEISS booth (Hall 15, A20), visitors will meet - among other technology - the new microdrone md4-3000, mounted in 3 meters of height. The UAV camera can be controlled via the “cinemizer OLED” and its new head tracker system.
The microdrones aerial platforms (UAV) can be controlled manually with a remote control or automatically via GPS and mdCockpit Waypoint Navigation.
microdrones UAVs are designed for a variety of uses:
Among others, clients such as the state police of Saxony, the Fire Service of the British West Midlands or the civil protection unit of the UN program UNOSAT gain by the use of the microdrones aerial platforms.
The minimal noise of microdrones quadrocopter of less than 68 DBA in three meters distance has already allowed sensitive applications, such as watching and counting colonies of penguins in the Arctic and exceptional wildlife shots in the Serengeti.
For microdrones CEO Sven Juerss the "cinemizer OLED" is a practical and versatile addition to the microdrones aerial platforms:
"The cinemizer offers an optimal image - even in strong sunlight. At the same time, the design of the glasses also allows to stay in direct and visible contact with the platform - essential due to safety reasons"
Site Construction Documentation in Munich
Published on 29.01.2013 by Michael Thoss
Site construction documentation in Munich with a microdrone md4-1000. (See video)
>> Read the full article
Operated by "rent-a-drone.com".
Geo-Metrik and microdrone md4-1000
Published on 13.12.2012 by Michael Thoss
"A flying eye of a special class - a class of it's own", Geo - Metrik Ag 2012. (see video)
>> Read the full article
"The microdrone md4-1000 of GEO-METRIK AG. A flying eye of a special class - a class of it's own" Geo - Metrik Ag, 2012.
microdrones flying legally in Czech Republic
Published on 30.11.2012 by Michael Thoss
Congratulations to Techniserv, which is the local partner for microdrones GmbH in Czech Republic for many years:
>> Read the full article
Since 29th of November 2012, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of Czech Republic approved the microdrones aerial platforms as the so far only one Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS), which are officially allowed to fly in Czech Republic in its class.
First successful International Research Workshop
Published on 23.11.2012 by Michael Thoss
The 1st microdrones International Research Workshop just has ended successfully:
>> Read the full article
More than 65 participants from all over the World as from Russia, Israel, USA, … took part in very exciting 2 days program with 16 different speeches and presentations. The main topics were geoinformatics and autonomous operations. All participants used the forum for fruitful discussion, networking and for sparking new ideas.
It was an honor for the microdrones GmbH to be the host for this international UAV conference, which will be held on a regular basis.
mdFlexControl >> Your idea >> Your code >> Your microdrone
12.09.2012
mdFlexControl hardware is designed to meet all your requirements for interfacing your own hardware while even supporting multitasking. Applications are running as different tasks with own resources. All tasks have the same priority, but selectable time slices.
mdFlexControl applications are written in the programming language C (C99 standard).
>> mdFlexControl-Quick-Reference
>> Download mdFlexControl API Manual
________________________________________
Project Example:
This example shows how to interface a SRF08 ultra sonic sensor. Write the sensor readings to UART1 and to a file on SD-card.
>> fc_srf08.txt
>> Read the full article
With our new mdFlexControl SDK you can interface your own sensors and actuators. All important machine values are accessible: battery voltage, flight time, attitude, altitude, velocity, GPS position and many more.
________________________________________
Some core features:
1. Write up to three independent apps for your mission and payload.
2. Use up to three file objects to access files (read or write).
3. Use up to three event objects to synchronize tasks.
4. Use more than 100 powerful library functions for easy programming.
5. Access all machine states and sensor values.
6. Use all common interfaces to connect external sensors and actuators.
________________________________________
Application Example:
Connect a Dosimeter to the FlexControl CAN bus. Write the readings (together with a time stamp and the GPS position) to an Excel or Matlab compatible file. Chart the data after landing.
Exciting. The new mdCockpit 3
Published on10.07.2012 by Michael Thoss
New style, new handling and increased efficiency: The latest features explained easily
The task is trivial, and yet it seems difficult to implement for many: The quick and safe flight planning for UAVs based on waypoints.
>> Read the full article
Is usable map material available? How can an existing map be imported into the software and how can it be used? How does planning and creation of waypoints works? How to implement a task most efficiently?
The answer is mdCockpit3: Experience on the basis of our new introduction video how quickly and very easily routes can be planned and created - in less than a minute.
Using an example project, you will be guided through the complete process of flight planning in mdCockpit 3 (route planning, settings of parameters, route simulation). Each step will be explained easily and clearly for you with the support of photo- and video material.
Since 2005, the microdrones GmbH has produced and exported more than 1000 aerial platforms worldwide including mdCockpit.
>> Video on youtube
Exclusive insights into the final test “Performance & Heat Resistance” for Project AirShield”
Published on 04.04.2012 by Michael Thoss
Impressive video documentation with an outstanding look behind the “Project AirShield” scenes
The sb4-1200 system "Shield Bearer", which has been strongly optimized for firefighting operations, performed without any problems at peak temperatures of up to 450 degrees. The so precious gas concentrations and temperature values were transmitted successfully live to the ground. The previously validated maximum value of the ambient temperature, which has been evaluated under laboratory conditions before at Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing, got again impressively confirmed by realistic conditions.
>> Read the full article
The test for “Project AirShield” took place under conditions similar to a real-life mission: At the Dutch “Rotterdam International Safety Center” (RISC), a training ground located on the far edges of the Rotterdam harbor, it was possible to light up even larges fires with significant smoke emissions.
A delegation of the AirShield team (TU Dortmund, microdrones, University of Siegen, Institute for Firefighting and Rescue technology, University of Paderborn and GIS Consult) was exclusively at RISC environment and of cause a fundamental part of the test scenario.
The project Airshield was funded by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research (BMBF) under the program "Research for Civil Security" as part of the high-tech strategy.
Urs Meier: “I've seen it… Record flight of microdrone md4-1000. Incredible Endurance!“
Published on 10.02.2012 by Michael Thoss
The microdrone md4-1000 proves endurance, tested impartially with Swiss precision
Especially for "tough jobs" the microdrones md4-1000 is qualified. A highly efficient working drive- and energy-supply-system allows the microdrones md4-1000 breaking all records in terms of flight time. An endurance test in the form of a video shall impressively demonstrate the 70 minutes flying time, which could detected so far under laboratory conditions. Of course, with the help of an impartial referee. Urs Meier, a former FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) soccer referee was just the right person for this particular task.
>> Read the full article
Kick-off! At the second zero, the microdrones md4-1000 ascends in the air and hovers. Up to this point nothing special. Even after 45 minutes of hovering, no signs of fatigue could be identified: The microdrone md4-1000, which is the "flagship" of the product line of microdrones, is hovering consistently in its position, tireless - no rest for the referee as he is usually accustomed. The stop watch, which is projected onto a large wall in the background, achieved the detected 70th minute as expected. The md4-1000 is still hovering calmly and reliably in its position.
Now the surprise: The game takes an unexpected turn. The power achieved an unexpected level. Final Whistle only in the 88th minute – without half time for the superior microdrone md4-1000. Referee Urs Meier did not need to show either yellow or red cards within this match. The triumph of microdrones is impressive for all involved parties. microdrones has once again promised not too much: Full 18 minutes, the md4-1000 was into overtime and accomplished a total flight time of 88 minutes.
For the manufacture from Germany an impressive and at the same time motivating result, to continuously enhance the intensive work in research and development.
Sven Juerss, our CEO is more than delighted and said immediately after the record flight: “To our knowledge this is the world record for a NonStop hover flight of a serial-production and electric driven MUAV of the 5 kg class. Especially when you consider that our system was fully equipped for this record flight. Although GPS was not available in the film studio, we still had our whole GPS system on board fully functional. Telemetry and video link were of course also be fully operational. In addition, a high-resolution daylight camera was mounted as a payload. If you now consider the fact that md4-1000 is not only designed exclusively for long flight times, but also for highest weather resistance and maximum payload capacities, this result is even more impressive.”
>> See Promotion Video
>> See Full Length of Endurance Flight
UNOSAT uses microdrones
Published on 01.02.2012 by Michael Thoss
UNOSAT adds microdrones to diversity its local mapping capacity
UNOSAT is using the microdrones UAV platform in areas such as disaster risk reduction, disaster preparedness, emergency response, environmental assessments, digital elevation model baseline data creation and more. This capacity will also benefit UN agencies in the field and other partners. UNOSAT can deploy its UAVs with trained personnel to fly them and, more importantly, to carry out aerial photo processing directly in the field for detailed mosaic datasets down to 5 cm resolution, with an average coverage for a 30 minutes flight of about 1 km square.
>> Read the full article
Please find the whole article on the UNOSAT website by using the link on the right side.
microdrones Icon Collection
Published on 02.12.2011 by Michael Thoss
microdrones presents its first Icon Collection for free. In particular, universities as well as industrial and government users will now find substantial support in the visualization of their elaborations: Whether in the conceptual design of a project or in the planning of specific GIS or inspection tasks through the easy integration of microdrones’s Icon Collection users will experience a significant additional benefit by meaningful icons in different positions and perspectives. Of course, the icons of the microdrones’s Icon Collection are transparent to the background and scalable according to requirement of the users.
>> Read the full article
Please find the download packages for the microdrones Icon Collection on the right side.
Revelation ancient royal burial sites
Published on 21.10.2011 by Michael Thoss
A miniature airborne drone has helped archaeologists capture images for creating a 3-D model of an ancient burial mound in Russia, scientists say. Archaeological sites are often in remote and rugged areas. As such, it can be hard to reach and map them with the limited budgets archaeologists typically have. Scientists are now using drones to extend their view into these hard-to-reach spots.
>> Read the full article
"There are a lot possibilities with this method," said researcher Marijn Hendrickx, a geographer at the University of Ghent in Belgium.
The machine tested in a remote area in Russia called Tuekta was a four-propeller "quadrocopter": the battery-powered Microdrone md4-200. The fact it is small - the axis of its rotors is about 27 inches (70 cm) - and weighs about 35 ounces (1,000 grams) made it easy to transport, and researchers said it was very easy to fly, stabilizing itself constantly and keeping at a given height and position unless ordered to do otherwise. The engine also generated almost no vibrations, they added, so that photographs taken from the camera mounted under it were relatively sharp. Depending on the wind, temperature and its payload, the drone's maximum flight time is approximately 20 minutes.
Tuekta is in the Altai Mountains where Russia, China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia come together. Researchers there have discovered burial mounds 2,300 to 2,800 years old and up to 250 feet (76 meters) wide.
These burial mounds, called "kurgans," probably belonged to chiefs or princes among the Scythians, a nomadic people known for their horsemanship, who once had a rich, powerful empire. Excavations of some of these have revealed extraordinary treasures of gold and other artifacts well-preserved by permafrost.
Nearly 200 burial mounds were discovered in Tuekta, situated along the River Ursul. The site's heart appears to once have been a row of five monumental Scythian burial mounds with diameters between 140 and 250 feet (42 and 76 m). Regretfully, "in this study area, most of the burial mounds are destroyed," Hendrickx said.
The test area the researchers chose measured approximately 1,000 feet by 330 feet (300 by 100 m), including the five giant mounds and dozens of smaller structures. They flew the drone at a height of 130 feet (40 m) to study one mound in greater detail.
The lightweight nature of the microdrone was a problem at times. "In the field we had to deal with rising wind," Hendrickx recalled. "At some point we even lost the radio connection with the drone — this led to a sprint between the kurgans.
Nevertheless, the researchers gathered enough data with the drone to create a digital elevation map of the site and a 3-D model of the mound.
"The 3-D model we created gives us the possibility to calculate the volume of the kurgan," Hendrickx told LiveScience. "With this volume and its precise dimensions, the original shape of the kurgan can be reconstructed."
Archaeologists have begun to use airborne drones more often in the past decade or so, including in Peru, Austria, Spain, Turkey and Mongolia. The resulting maps can help archaeologists see the big picture of a site where up-to-date aerial or satellite images are hard to get, Hendrickx said.
The researchers are now experimenting with a larger microdrone that can carry more weight.
"This will make it possible to use, for instance, infrared cameras or even a radar system," Hendrickx said. "This can make it possible to see things we can't see with our eyes."
The scientists detailed their findings in the November issue of the Journal of Archaeological Science.
EU Commission invited microdrones
Published on 21.10.2011 by Michael Thoss
On 19 October 2011, microdrones was invited to speak in front of a European Commission about "Rules for civil small UAS". Many thanks to Eurocontrol for hosting a great workshop / conference.
>> Read the full article
See the presentation of microdrones, presented in Brussels. You can download it on the right side.
NIKON’S HIGH FYLER
Published on 23.09.2011 by Michael Thoss
Not only has Nikon conquered space and the vast majority of terra firma, they can now reach all the bits in-between. Swiss company omnisight are the main point of sale for microdrone Quadrocopters in Switzerland and were the first distributor of the four-bladed helicopters outside of Germany. They offer technical solutions and support and are now regarded as experts in the field of unmanned aerial photography. They’ve been working hard with Nikon Switzerland to take the d3100 to dizzying new heights.
>> Read the full article
The md4-1000 radio controlled drone (pictured) is capable of carrying loads up to 1.2kg and is used around the world by the likes of surveyors, military, police, architects and archaeologists and has many applications.
One of the more popular uses for the md4-1000 is photogrammetry (the practice of determining the geometric properties of objects from photographic images) and is used to measure anything from buildings to quarries, mountains or landfill sites.
One of omnisight’s clients was using the md4-1000 for an archaeological book, mapping possible dig sites but found the quality of the camera he was using wasn’t up to scratch. Emil Siegrist CEO of omnisight takes over the story:
‘Primarily, because of the weight restrictions we knew we were limited in our choice of camera.’ he says. ‘I contacted nikon Switzerland and the decision was made relatively quickly to use the d3100. The results were outstanding, the client was overjoyed and he now wants to use the d3100 on a permanent basis.’
The drones are very easy to operate and a single pilot can fly the unit and control the camera via a laptop using remote triggers at the same time. The md4-1000 can remember specific latitude and longitude coordinates so even if it’s blown off course, it can remember its previous position and return to the exact spot. The mechanism holding the camera is equally as clever, with both pitch and roll compensation built in so the camera remains stable – however the drone moves.
onmisight hope to work with nikon in the future to develop specific technologies for this kind of photography, so watch this space.
For more info visit: www.omnisight.ch
Solar Research with DLR
Published on 26.08.2011 by Michael Thoss
It’s blowing a gale. Bits of rock and coarse sand particles fly through the air and impact unchecked against highly sensitive measuring instruments and mirror faces of a solar thermal power plant. Tightly packed, more than 7,000 mirror panels of the solar field stand cheek by jowl. Is there any damage? How can possible error sources be located? A new project of the German Aerospace Center (DLR) Institute for Solar Research has the answer, which is, of course airborne, making use of high-tech Quadrocopters supplied by microdrones. These are deployed wherever the human eye requires particular help, for example, in the field of aerial inspection.
>> Read the full article
microdrones md4-1000 provides the basis for the latest DLR measurement techniques for the evaluation of parabolic trough power plants. The Institute of Solar Research is one of the world’s leading research facilities in the field of concentrated solar power. The DLR project named „QFly“ (synonym for airborne qualification) applies microdrones technology to inspect CSP power plants. Equipped with a robust, weather-resistant, carbon-fi bre body and a high resolution camera, the ultra-light microdrone is capable of a fl ying time of more than 30 minutes. Consequently, it is perfect for any industrial use.
The DLR baptism by fire of the microdrones recently took place in southern Spain during a deployment at the Plataforma Solar de Almería. DLR presents the latest technology to the experts at this year’s specialist conference, SolarPACES in Granada. The measurement system is suitable for inspecting solar fields during assembly, acceptance, optimisation or condition monitoring.
According to the DLR, CSP power plants have the potential to meet a large proportion of future primary energy requirements. As part of the targeted vision of sustainable electricity supply, specialists are constantly developing new technologies and methods to make “power from the desert” more efficient and less costly. microdrones is very glad to be part of this vision.
Aerial survey with Thyssengas
Published on 09.08.2011 by Michael Thoss
Aerial survey with Thyssengas of gas pipes with microdrones UAVs
Thyssengas has initiated a project with the goal of monitoring the high pressure gas pipelines with low weight, autonomous flying drones over the air. This technique can either replace or complete the existing air monitoring by helicopter. These more or less independently operating drones – so-called Quadrocopter – are equipped with optical devices. Using these optics, a dangerous interference to the gas pipe will be quickly detected. The first objective in this project is on the analysis / pattern recognition of possible threats to the gas pipe (such as heavy construction equipment). Furthermore, the system can be used for surveying and mapping of new built or modified pipes. Compared to conventional monitoring by helicopter, there must be mentioned the high environmental compatibility and the low noise of drones: They emit no CO2 and are extremely quiet when flying. Furthermore, they provide the necessary security in a cost effective way.
>> Read the full article
To read the full article, please download the PDF on the right side.
microdrones & State Police Saxony
Published on 01.08.2011 by Michael Thoss
The microdrone has proven itself!
Minister of Interior Mark Ulbig has decided to purchase the microdrones. After a two-year test phase, it is clear that this unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has proven to be used as a tool for police missions.
>> Read the full article
The Minister of Interior Mark Ulbig:
"The drone fills a 'gap' between the video footage from a police helicopter and mobile/stationary cameras on the ground. The UAS provides new opportunities for the respective police chief of mission control by relevant pictures. The video transfer is done in high quality. The drone is a contribution to greater safety."
The range of applications extends from the surveillance and reconnaissance etc. at events, the support of search activities, the observation, the documentation of traffic measures to the point of crime scene photographs.
In the future, Saxon will continue to participate in the nationwide experience and participate in appropriate federal-/state-task-forces on this topic.
The art of microdrones
Published on 05.07.2011 by Michael Thoss
microdrones opens an entirely new door to the fascinating world of art. Using the microdrone creatively, creating something unique… Making of… From the idea to the final picture!
>> Read the full article
The Vision
Using the microdrone in a new fascinating way. Understanding its technical possibilities in a new way, giving creative ideas a new dimension.
The Idea
Dusk… a coniferous forest seen out of a bird's eye view. Schematically light and darkness come together to a new composition.
The Planning
Not only does communication between the pilot of the md4-1000 and the ground team require reliability. A stable means of communication between the camera underneath the microdrone and the wireless transmitter for the flash is also required to achieve a synchronous triggering in real time. And all of this whilst maintain a cruising height of an average of 100 meters and numerous square meters of forest between the objects. In order to be able to be recognized at a set position the ground crew needs to be equipped with flashlights and a wireless monitor which, after each new shot has been set off, shows the latest picture and thus the latest position.
The execution
Equipped with LEDs, a wireless video receiver with monitor, walkie talkies and flash with colored foil + wireless trigger, it's time to wait for dusk to set in. The pilot of the md4-1000 has already executed test flights above the chosen section of forest collecting some position via GPS. Finally the sun goes down, while the team remains in position. The pilot keeps the drone steady in the chosen flight corridor the teams pave their way through the darkness into the forest. Via walk-talkie the pilot receives the first signal and triggers the camera underneath the microdrone. The screens of both teams reveal the first shot. It's working!
The picture is taken
Out of more than 50 pictures during this night the final picture was put together. With each and every picture the forest gets its texture back and reveals itself in a way never before to have been seen. Without microdrones none of this would have been possible.
microdrones in Kenya
Published on 01.06.2011 by Michael Thoss
Aerial Videos of one of Africa's most beautiful regions within the Serengeti - the Masai Mara. Filmed with our microdrone md4-1000. Many thanks to TBS Television Japan for giving us the "once in a lifetime" opportunity. Also special thanks to AEON for this beautiful compilation of the footage.
>> Read the full article
Look to the video on microdrones YouTube-channel:
West Midland Fire Service
Published on 30.04.2009 by Michael Thoss
West Midlands Fire Service is on the way up. The highly specialized microdrones system of one of the most advanced fire stations made a big impression on His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent. The Duke attended various demonstrations outside the central station, including visiting the Fire Department's Technical Rescue Unit.
>> Read the full article
