Specialized drones have brought a new level of accessibility and efficiency to Alaska’s DOT&PF Bridge Design team, particularly given the state’s vast and often remote terrain. Traditional bridge inspections typically require deploying Under Bridge Inspection Trucks (UBITs), snoopers, or man lifts—equipment that can be difficult and costly to transport. By integrating drones into their workflow, the team can now travel statewide with a versatile fleet suited to a variety of inspection scenarios. In addition, the use of Starlink stations has enabled seamless communication between the Juneau office and crews operating in remote regions, enhancing coordination and data sharing. One of the most valuable advancements has been the ability to live stream inspections directly to the office, a feature especially useful during critical bridge assessments and emergency situations, allowing real-time collaboration and faster decision-making. 

The Federal Aviation Administration

The FAA launched a two‑week drone‑detection test in Cape May, NJ starting April 14, deploying several large drones and around 100 commercially available models. The goal? Evaluate how well detection tech works—and ensure it doesn’t mess with aircraft navigation systems—amid a surge of sightings and laser incidents near airports last year.

They’ve urged hobbyists to steer clear during testing. Federal and local authorities—backed by the FBI and DHS findings—say many “confirmed” sightings were actually manned aircraft. This test is a key step toward building reliable drone‑detection systems and informing future policy on counter‑drone authority.

Wind turbine and blade inspection can be challenging, especially when internal structural issues are involved, which might not be visible from the outside. Manual inspections alone may not easily identify these technical faults, but drone-powered solutions prove invaluable in addressing such challenges. Our wind turbine inspection services utilize drones equipped with highly advanced sensors like thermal and infrared sensors specially designed and calibrated for wind turbine and blade inspection. These wind turbine drone inspections gather information rapidly and can see up to 15cm deep into wind turbines. Our team uses machine learning and advanced processing software to identify any internal or external structural issues (issues as small as 5mm), helping wind farms maintain structural integrity, extend the lifespan of turbines, and take the right action at the right time.

The innovative system centers around a DJI Enterprise Dock 2 that’s been specially modified through collaboration with local fabricators at Peterson Welding to handle Alaska’s extreme weather conditions. This isn’t your typical drone setup – it’s a robust system designed to work in temperatures as low as -13°F and includes a heated dock with sophisticated environmental monitoring. The dock comes equipped with an array of sensors that track wind speed, rainfall, temperature, and humidity, ensuring operators always know the exact conditions at the site. For added protection, the system includes both lightning protection and comprehensive security features.