This is a progress update of a case study from 2022, which we recommend reading first for background and context.
Read the 2022 case study Read the full report
In 2021, Team UAV was featured in a case study for their work in leak detection within the water industry. They have since increased their focus on conducting internal inspections in confined spaces. This is motivated, amongst other things, by the fact that internal drone inspections bypass many regulatory obstacles that can hinder other applications. They also enhance safety by keeping personnel out of hazardous situations and provide compelling data. Although this may suggest that Team UAV’s growth is largely unimpeded, they do face challenges such as skill shortages and the increasing trend of clients forming their own drone teams. Team UAV also believes that BVLOS operations in unsegregated airspace would enable them to expand their business.
Following Skies Without Limits V2.0, Team UAV has increased its focus on inspections in confined spaces within the water and environmental sectors. Although clients are expressing greater interest in their solutions, the company has not yet achieved commercial volume.
“Since 2021, our most significant achievement has been introducing confined space drone services into the water and environmental sectors. This innovation has greatly enhanced our ability to conduct detailed visual inspections and gather geospatial information from point cloud data derived from onboard LiDAR sensors.”
Team UAV
Team UAV has collaborated with the Environment Agency to deliver precise 3D models and high-resolution imagery of underground culverts, which they claim has facilitated accurate mapping, advanced data analysis, and improved decision-making. This solution has significantly enhanced safety by reducing the need for human entry into hazardous environments. Team UAV believes that this achievement has set a new benchmark for environmental monitoring, opened new opportunities for growth and collaboration, and solidified their reputation as an industry pioneer.
This perspective is reflected in Team UAV’s view of their solution’s market Perception (up – green).
The 2024 colour indicator shown is based on Team UAV’s current perception of the associated barrier (red indicates an 'issue' and green 'no issue'). The trend shows the degree to which they feel this barrier has changed since 2021. To see a summary of how this organisation's views compare to others, see the chart on page 8 of our main report.
“The growing acceptance and trust in drone technology among clients have also played a crucial role, enabling us to undertake more complex and diverse projects.”
Team UAV
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Team UAV have found that their clients have a very positive attitude towards deploying drones instead of personnel in confined spaces.
The Implementation and Technology barriers share the same trend and perception (up – amber). The reason for the Implementation progress has been covered above. The amber rating is due to the difficulties clients have adopting services at scale.
Team UAV believe that Technology has advanced, delivering longer battery life and improved sensors. However, some technological challenges are impeding growth. The cost of drones is significant, especially considering the high risk of losing them. Additionally, the absence of ATEX-certified[1] drone solutions restricts Team UAV’s ability to operate safely in explosive or hazardous environments, which is key for certain industries.
Regulation (flat – green): There are no regulatory barriers to the growth of internal inspections. However, in the context of their overall business, Team UAV points out that routine Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in unsegregated airspace could:
“Unlock new growth opportunities, drive innovation, and improve safety by reducing the need for manual interventions in hazardous environments.”
Team UAV
Concluding with the only red indicator on the board, Team UAV mentions that finding pilots with confined space experience is very challenging, necessitating in-house training for pilots (Skills – flat, red). This perspective is intriguing, as some respondents who also needed to train their pilots in-house rated their skills as green, indicating it did not limit their growth.
When asked about the changes they would like to see in the UK’s approach to drone operations, Team UAV responded:
“Streamlining the regulatory processes, particularly for BVLOS approvals, would encourage more widespread use and innovation. Establishing robust training and certification programmes for operators would ensure safety and professionalism. Clearer guidelines for urban operations are needed to address privacy, safety, and operational restrictions. Supporting research and development through incentives and funding, along with public awareness campaigns, would reduce misconceptions and increase acceptance of drone technology. Additionally, investing in infrastructure, such as dedicated drone corridors, and enhancing international collaboration to harmonise regulations would facilitate easier cross-border operations and global growth. These changes would create a more supportive and enabling environment for drone operations in the UK, fostering innovation, safety, and industry growth.”
Team UAV
They are also worried about DJI’s low-cost, high-spec drones being removed as an option for political reasons, a concern shared by others.
Notes:
[1] HSE, ATEX and explosive atmospheres
An insight into the progress of the UK drone industry from 2021 to 2024
Skies Without Limits v3.0
