The Future Of Drone Detection & Monitoring

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Adrian Fowler - Head of Sales for AlphaGeo recently discussed the topic of drone detection and monitoring at the AQE show in the UK, find out more below.

 

What products do you represent in the uk?

We represent a range of advanced air quality monitoring products in the UK, specifically designed for use in drone-based applications. These innovative solutions, developed by Soarability, a company based in Singapore and China, specialize in gas and air pollution detection. The products are designed as payloads that can be easily mounted on drones, enabling access to hard-to-reach or hazardous areas where human intervention may be too risky or impractical.

By leveraging these drone-mounted sensors, users can gather real-time data on air quality and pollution levels, providing a more comprehensive and safer approach to environmental monitoring. AlphaGeo offers a detailed overview of these products, explaining their functionality and how they can be valuable to a wide range of industries and applications, from environmental monitoring to disaster response.

 

Where do you see the future of drone detection & monitoring?

I believe we're only scratching the surface when it comes to the future of drone detection and monitoring. As the technology continues to evolve, I see it becoming increasingly mainstream and integrated into everyday operations. For example, in industries like oil and gas, manually inspecting large facilities can be challenging and time-consuming. Drones, on the other hand, offer a more efficient and effective way to survey these areas from above, providing a comprehensive overview.

The real potential lies in combining drone technology with traditional methods. After a drone has identified potential issues, such as leaks or pollution, technicians can use handheld detectors for more targeted investigations. I see this technology becoming more widely adopted across various sectors, offering safer, faster, and more cost-effective ways to monitor and detect environmental hazards.

 

What are the emerging issues facing air monitoring

Although we're relatively new to the air monitoring sector, we’re already seeing significant interest in detecting specific pollutants, particularly methane and benzene. These are emerging concerns for many industries, with a growing number of end users approaching us specifically to ask if we can detect benzene. One of the challenges, however, is that many sensors available on the market—especially those designed for non-handheld use—are often too large or heavy to be used effectively on drones.

This presents a major opportunity for innovation in the field. As drone technology and sensor design evolve, we’re likely to see significant advances that will allow these critical pollutants to be detected more easily from the air. I believe this will lead to major advancements in air quality monitoring, opening up new possibilities for real-time, remote environmental monitoring and offering huge potential for the future of the industry.

How does drone monitoring help with methane gases?

Drone monitoring plays a crucial role in methane gas detection, particularly in leak detection. For example, at landfill sites, it's essential to identify any methane leaks, as these facilities often capture and reuse methane as an energy source. Any leaks represent both a financial loss and an environmental concern. By using drones equipped with specialized sensors, operators can efficiently survey large areas and pinpoint leak sources that might be difficult to detect manually. This technology greatly enhances the ability to monitor methane emissions in real-time, helping to reduce waste and improve the overall efficiency of energy recovery processes.

Where do you feel the gaps are with air monitoring?

One of the key gaps in air monitoring is the lack of real-time tracking for important emissions like CO2. Many companies rely on spreadsheet calculations to estimate reductions—such as switching from diesel to electric vehicles—but they don't actually monitor the emissions in real-time to verify the impact. This creates a disconnect between the data they report and the actual improvements made.

There's a significant opportunity to fill this gap by implementing real-time monitoring systems that provide accurate, up-to-date data on emissions reductions. Another area for growth is monitoring pollution levels in public transport. By equipping buses, taxis, and delivery vehicles with pollution detection sensors, we could collect valuable, real-time data on air quality in urban areas. This type of monitoring could drive better decision-making and policies, making it an exciting area for future development in the market.

More about us

At AlphaGeo, we are a UK-based supplier with a strong focus on working with local UK companies, though we have the capability to extend our services worldwide. We specialize in advanced gas and air pollution detection solutions, including drone-mounted and vehicle-based systems. Our product range includes both broad-spectrum monitoring technologies, which provide a general overview of air quality, as well as more targeted solutions like laser-based sensors that can detect specific pollutants in highly localized areas.

We're particularly interested in exploring opportunities to test vehicle-based monitoring systems in sectors such as public transport, including buses, taxis, and courier fleets. By equipping these vehicles with pollution detection technology, we can start to build a detailed, real-time picture of urban air quality. This data could be valuable for local councils, who may be able to offer it to their communities or customers, supporting informed decision-making and public health initiatives. This is an exciting area where we see great potential for growth and collaboration.