RUAS – Pioneering LiDAR sensor trial

RUAS have recently partnered with asset integrity contractor Billfinger and Heliguy to complete an industry-first trial of L1 Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensor drone technology at Shell UK ‘s Bacton Gas Plant. Billfinger have recently published an article relating to the L1 trial.

DJI Zenmuse L1 LiDAR Technology

The DJI L1 has been a long-awaited addition to the ever-expanding capabilities that DJI have to offer, elevating the standard for the aircraft sensors by boasting quality and resolution for LiDAR sensing.

Previously LiDAR sensing applications to unmanned aircraft have been quite limited mostly due to the to the limited drones available to carry such a payload effectively, but the L1 and its compatibility with the Matrice 300 aircraft delivered such potential for opportunity, we at RUAS had to seize the opportunity to demonstrate the results for ourselves.

L1 LiDAR Sensor Trial

In support of DJI, RUAS reached out to Billfinger to source a client that could facilitate the UK’s first drone inspection with its new LiDAR sensor – DJI Zenmuse L1 mounted to the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, providing real-time 3D data, capturing the fine detail of very complex structures providing highly-accurate data to enable predictive maintenance and inspection.

The results of the trial were exceptional, the 3D data gathered successfully accomplished a high-resolution point cloud scan of Shell’s processing facility in Bacton. Bacton is a hydrocarbon gas processing plant supplying up to a third of the UK’s gas supply.

Here at RUAS we have been utilising the M300 RTK extensively over the last year, this L1 trial was further proof of the drone’s capabilities and the potential within the industry.

Billfinger’s full article can be found here.

For more information about the DJI L1: A Game-Changer click here.