These innovative drones are redefining surveillance in office buildings, warehouses, factories, data centers, and various other facilities. Powered by advanced artificial intelligence (AI), these drones operate efficiently, tirelessly, and with remarkable accuracy.
A Shift from Traditional Security Measures
Traditionally, the tasks now performed by Indoor Robotics’ drones have been handled either by human security personnel or fixed security cameras. However, these drones offer a host of advantages over their human counterparts.
The Birth of Indoor Robotics and the Tando Drones
Indoor Robotics, headquartered in Ramat Gan, near Tel Aviv, has positioned itself at the forefront of the “indoor monitoring market” with its innovative Tando drones. These drones are equipped with cutting-edge sensors and cameras that capture 360-degree video, leveraging AI to interpret and respond to visual data.
The company commercially deployed its first batch of indoor drones a few years ago, with their primary application being after-hours patrols in office buildings, ensuring security once employees have left for the day. They have also expanded their services to include monitoring factories, data centers, and other locations around the clock, flying seamlessly above employees and avoiding obstacles.
Critical Use Case: Osem’s Bamba Factory
One notable example of the drones’ effectiveness is their deployment at Osem’s Bamba factory in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel. These drones are responsible for constant surveillance of the warehouse where the beloved peanut snack is stored. The primary risk at this facility is the potential weakening of massive metal stacking shelves by forklift operators who inadvertently bump into them and fail to report it.
Given the height of these shelves, which can reach up to 30 meters, regular human checks are nearly impossible. However, the drones effortlessly navigate this height, inspecting every support and shelf, ensuring the integrity of the plastic shields, checking for missing screws, and identifying signs of damage.
These drones patrol every half hour, returning to their docking station for a brief battery recharge, providing approximately 10 minutes of flight time before resuming their tasks. Notably, every aspect of their operation, from flying to recording and reporting, is carried out autonomously. In case of an emergency or unexpected issue, they divert from their regular route to investigate.
Key Technological Breakthroughs
Indoor Robotics has achieved two pivotal technological breakthroughs that enable the seamless operation of these indoor drones. The first innovation involves mounting the drones on the ceiling, a concept that the company takes immense pride in, as it is unique in the world.
The challenge here was to safely disconnect the drone from the ceiling and initiate its propellers without it colliding with the ground. The second breakthrough was the development of a proprietary method for indoor localization and mapping, crucial for achieving centimeter-level accuracy indoors where GPS is not available.
Global Reach and Competition
Indoor Robotics has successfully established a clientele in both Israel and the United States, with its drones also patrolling a United Nations building in Spain. While other companies are developing floor-based robots, they lack the same reach and maneuverability as Indoor Robotics’ drones and typically require human supervision. The startup’s closest competitor, Swiss company Verity, specializes in monitoring warehouse inventory but does not cover the diverse range of venues that Indoor Robotics serves.
Cost-Efficiency and Superior Coverage
One of the standout advantages of indoor drones is their cost-effectiveness. According to CEO Doron Ben David, these drones are substantially more cost-effective than human security patrols and even surveillance cameras. For instance, Ben David notes that an average shopping mall equipped with Indoor Robotics’ products could potentially replace 300 security cameras with just 100 cameras and five drones, while achieving better coverage and accuracy.
Challenges of Disrupting the Industry
Despite their remarkable potential, indoor drones remain a surprise to many, and gaining trust is an ongoing challenge. Ben David recalls a humorous incident where a new cleaner at their own offices encountered a drone at 5 am and attempted to fend it off with a broom. This anecdote underscores the disruptive nature of their technology and the time required for the industry to adapt and embrace these revolutionary security solutions.
In conclusion, Indoor Robotics, with its pioneering Tando drones, is revolutionizing the security industry with cost-effective, autonomous, and highly efficient indoor surveillance. These drones offer a myriad of benefits, from reducing false alarms to ensuring consistent, round-the-clock security. As the technology continues to evolve and gain trust, it is poised to reshape how we approach security in indoor environments, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to traditional methods.
