Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi Holdings plans to use drones to enhance the construction process of ships.
It made the announcement on 1 June, following a demonstration test by V-cube, a Japanese visual communications service provider.
The test ascertained the possibility of using drones to gather visual data, which can be used to inspect equipment.
With a fitted camera, the drone took pictures and videos of buildings and cranes, as well as the progress of ship construction, including the transportation of blocks. The videos and photos were transmitted live to Tsuneishi.
Tsuneishi said, “According to the information provided by the videos and photos, some effective means would be found to improve the efficiency in equipment maintenance checks and in the management of the construction process.”
The drone was also tested to see if it would prove useful in times of disaster, by being deployed quickly to a designated location to check the situation.
Tsuneishi said it intends to use V-cube’s service, which combines visual communications and drones, to improve productivity and safety in its yards.
The company said, “We have high hopes that this latest technology will help us increase efficiency at our factories and facilities, and also allow us to gather information quickly in times of disaster.”
This post was sourced from IHS Maritime 360: View the original article here.