Flying without a drone pilot
AeroVinci, a TU Delft spin-off, is developing ‘DroneDock’ technology, which allows drones to take-off, land, process data, charge and perform other specialised operations fully autonomously. Until recently, drones could only be operated by drone pilots, but this new technology removes the need for a human operator. This has major financial advantages as well as other benefits.
Aerial surveillance
Agriculture is one of the main sectors where this technology is applied. Consider farmers, for instance, whose land is surveyed from the air and who then automatically receive advice on the intelligent use of irrigation, fertilisers and pesticides. This can ensure higher yields and lower costs per hectare.
Jochem Wieringa of AeroVinci is enthusiastic about the investment.
We’re extremely happy with this financial boost. It’s a sign that investors share our vision of making the large-scale deployment of drones affordable by fully automating drone technology.
F.l.t.r.: Jochem Wieringa (AeroVinci) en Liduina Hammer (UNIIQ)
UNIIQ is investing in AeroVinci because of the enormous potential of DroneDock technology. “Drones represent a huge, untapped market, but the problem is that a human pilot is still needed for each drone,” explains Liduina Hammer, Fund Manager at UNIIQ. “However, AeroVinci’s technology removes the need for human intervention, which will accelerate the market expansion of drones. We are pleased to add yet another company that develops pioneering technology to UNIIQ’s investment portfolio.”
“TU Delft is a global frontrunner in drone innovation technology,” says Paul Althuis, Managing Director of Delft Enterprises. “It’s wonderful to see technology that was incubated in our university making its way into successful applications such as those developed by AeroVinci.” Althuis adds, “This also strengthens TU Delft’s position as a technological leader in the field of drones, so we are very happy to invest in it.”