UAV Inspection in Heavy Industry: Preliminary Trial and Challenge

The applications of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) inspection in heavy industries have received widespread attention in recent years. This study focuses on exploring the feasibility, efficiency, and challenges of UAV inspection in heavy industrial factories. Through a series of preliminary trials, the potential of UAV inspections to enhance safety, reduce manpower requirements, and increase the operational efficiency of facilities is investigated. For those inaccessible or dangerous areas, visual and thermal imaging inspections through UAVs can improve the work safety of personnel and provide extended back-end applications. However, the development of the UAV inspection system also encountered a series of challenges, including a robust control system, multi-sensor software and hardware bridging, data transmission from the UAV to the ground control station, and related UAV operation specifications. This research paper considers the conveyor system in enclosed coal storage construction of China Steel Cooperation (CSC) to develop a UAV inspection system. The developed strategies and preliminary trial results are revealed. The results revealed that the application of drones in heavy industry inspections has huge potential.