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Drone technology developed and manufactured in Dubai, by Exponent Technology Services, has been used in a Pilot Project commissioned by the Connecticut Department of Transportation for an inspection of the Gold Star Memorial Bridge in the U.S. city of New London, Connecticut. The inspection, which took place at the end of August in collaboration with AI Engineers Inc., was the first time an Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) of its kind has been used to assist with a bridge inspection of a significant bridge, located in an urban area carrying a major U.S. Interstate highway over a large river.

Situated over the Thames River, the bridge is the longest bridge in Connecticut, making it particularly challenging to undertake the inspections that are required every two years. Exponent’s new technology offered an innovative solution by being able to record elements of the structure in high-definition video and imagery for analysis. One of the most significant advantages is the Exponent Portal software, a unique ‘black box’ that is attached to the drone to provide real-time monitoring via a live feed, so clients can view the data via the Internet as it is being captured.

Connecticut’s DOT is currently discussing the possibility of contracting for use of drone technology in order to speed up the inspection process, (usually taking an average of three months) and supplement the need for added manpower typically required for the use of heavy access equipment. Exponent was selected to participate in the DOT’s Pilot Project due to its being an industry leader in the commercial use of UAS technology in the United States, and is now well positioned to take full advantage of the DOT’s efforts to integrate UAS technology into its standard bridge inspection processes.

Asam Khan, Chief Executive Officer, Exponent Technology Services explained: "As the bridge is within five miles of an airport, the approval process was especially stringent and we were thrilled to receive the Federal Aviation Administration’s 333 Exemption and special COA enabling us to work with Connecticut’s DOT on such a high-profile project, where efficiency and accuracy are paramount."

Thomas Tilson, Commercial Manager Exponent Technology Services added: "There is no doubt that our advances in drone technology represent a huge opportunity for transportation providers, and other government and private organizations, to monitor assets and infrastructure in a quicker, safer and more cost effective manner. Even more, the Exponent Portal software enables us to offer something totally unique with live-feed footage."

The Gold Star Memorial Bridge inspection was carried out at a cost of around $10,000US for the whole day of drone use and the vehicle was piloted by one of Exponent’s chief pilots, with additional support from a camera operator to zoom in on specific areas of the bridge.

Exponent offers different holistic UAS solutions such as inventory tracking across large open yards, water sample retrievals, security surveillance, surveying, agriculture and 3D mapping, tailored according to its clients’ needs.