1. How did ITB GmbH decide to deploy drones?

ITB-Dresden GmbH looks after and manages a wide variety of properties. Regular inspections were and are necessary to secure the value of buildings and facilities in the long term. Until now, lifting platforms or even scaffolding have been used for inspections.

In recent years, extreme weather conditions have increasingly led to damage events, some of which are considerable. This affected real estate with all its components. Also, there are general weather influences, material fatigue, or material aging. This makes it increasingly necessary to find flexible and inexpensive alternatives for the search, inspection, and initial assessment of damaged areas. For us, the solution to the problem was the use of drone technology.

2. How has the work changed since then? Has a routine in the use of drones been established?

By using drone technology, ITB-Dresden GmbH has been put in the position to immediately and quickly identify damaged areas during building inspections or controls of industrial plants even before significant damage or consequential damage occurs. The time required and the preparations for these measures have been significantly reduced compared to conventional methods.

With the development and use of checklists, the application and approval procedures have been standardized and thus optimized. Regular training measures and practice hours led to the desired routine in drone deployment.

3. What do you mainly use the drone for? Are there typical applications?

Currently, the drone is used for the following tasks:

• • Inspection of own and third-party real estate to determine damages as well as the general state of construction
  • Presentation of the construction progress on our own construction sites and external projects
  • Creation of films to complement websites (e.g., presentation of sights for hotel websites)
  • Creation of image films about the own range of services

To be able to offer the broadest possible range of products for UAV use in the future, there are currently no typical applications.

4. How many drones are currently in use? And how often are they in use?

For the execution of the tasks mentioned under 3., one drone is currently in use. This is entirely sufficient for the areas of application, and the number of missions (max. 1x per week) can be covered effortlessly.

Two small drones have been purchased for training purposes alone. Since the trained drone pilots are working at different locations, it is easier to complete the necessary training flights.

5. Which drone does the ITB use?

Currently, we use one DJI/Phantom 4Pro drone for professional use and two DJI Mavic Mini (for training purposes).

6. Are there any plans for the future to expand or increase the number of employees using drones?

We currently have a team of six trained and skilled employees. The frequency of use and the areas of application will determine the technology’s complementarity in the future.

We thank René Bernhardt for the interview and wish ITB-Dresden continued successful and safe flights.

Your FlyNex Team