From pilot project to scalable UAS application
The use of drones in industrial environments is increasingly evolving from individual pilot projects to scalable, regulated applications. A recent CHEManager article uses Ursa-Chemie as an example to show how such a use case is already being successfully implemented today—and what development prospects this opens up.
While the customer story highlights the project process and implementation in detail, this article focuses on the regulatory, operational, and strategic aspects of drone operation, as well as the next steps in development toward automation and BVLOS.
Industrial drone operations require more than just technology
At first glance, transporting samples between two factory sites may seem straightforward. In practice, however, it requires a robust operating concept, clear roles, trained personnel, and, above all, an officially approved operating structure.
In the industrial environment in particular, it is clear that successful drone applications do not depend solely on the technology used. Rather, clear processes, regulatory safeguards, and the ability to reliably integrate drone operations into existing processes are crucial.
Regulatory basis: ConOps, SORA, and operating permit
A complete concept of operations (ConOps) was developed. Based on this, a risk analysis in accordance with SORA, which formed the basis for the official operating permit.
This regulatory preparation makes it possible to reliably use the drone today in the approved corridor between the two factory sites—and at the same time forms the basis for future expansions of operations.
Qualification and airspace transparency as success factors
Safe drone operation does not end with approval. Equally crucial are qualified remote pilots and continuous monitoring of the surrounding airspace.
At Ursa-Chemie, four employees were trained in drone operation and successfully passed the A2 remote pilot examination . In addition, digital air situation monitoring provides additional transparency and safety during ongoing operations.
Looking ahead: BVLOS, 5G, and autonomous processes
The CHEManager article highlights the potential that exists beyond today's operations: In the future, autonomous flights beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) should be made possible—for example, through the integration of 5G mobile communications technology and its incorporation into a digital air situation picture.
Such developments open up new fields of application, from advanced factory logistics to safety-related operations. It is always crucial that technological innovation and regulatory requirements go hand in hand.
Conclusion: Scalable drone applications require structure
The project at Ursa-Chemie is a prime example of how drone technology can be sustainably integrated into industrial processes—not as a one-off measure, but as part of a long-term digitalization strategy.
Droniq supports companies in following precisely this path: from the initial idea to approval and operation to scaling and automation of industrial drone applications.
