Kespry, a Menlo Park, Calif.-based designer of automated drone systems for commercial use, has unveiled the Kespry Drone 2.0, a fully automated unmanned aircraft system (UAS) that can fly for more than 30 minutes at a time.
In comparison to Kespry’s previous model, the lighter-weight drone flies for twice as long, covers twice the amount of ground area and has twice the amount of wind resilience, thanks to a new airframe and battery, as well as flight system improvements.
At a 400-foot altitude, the UAS can cover up to 150 acres. In addition, it can operate effectively in up to 20 mph sustained winds and 35 mph wind gusts, says Kespry.
The Kespry Drone 2.0 weighs under 2 kg – which puts it in the “micro UAS” category for streamlined regulatory compliance around the world, the company adds.
Kespry delivers a fully automated drone system, which takes off, flies a designated flight path and lands – all without operator intervention or even a joystick. To help customers operating in congested areas – including applications such as roof inspections for insurance claims – the UAS includes an on-board LiDAR sensor that automatically detects and avoids obstacles such as trees, cranes and buildings.
Additionally, the new drone also has a lighter-weight and customized Sony industrial camera that captures more geospatial data for detailed 3D models.
“We’ve seen increased demand from technology partners like Kespry in the drone and robotics markets,” says John Monti, director of visual imaging solutions at Sony Electronics. “The new, lightweight Sony UMC-R10C is designed specifically for industrial applications leveraging low weight while maintaining high-quality image capture.”
