HHLA Sky has rolled out new technology for automated drone flights at dronePORT Hamburg, Europe’s first drone port. The Integrated Control Center, the first ground infrastructure of its kind in Europe, allows more than 100 Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone flights to be monitored simultaneously. This technology enables efficient inspections of infrastructure, such as bridges and roads, as well as large areas, such as the Port of Hamburg and shipping lanes.
At the opening of dronePORT Hamburg on Friday, June 14, partners such as the Hamburg Port Authority and the Hamburg Police demonstrated various drone products and projects. This marks a major step forward for the integration of drones in urban environments, with promising future applications, said Mathias Gronstedt, Managing Director of HHLA Sky. “Automation is the key to efficient operations with drones. HHLA Sky’s Integrated Control Center enables flights beyond visual range, making drone operations scalable, safe, and cyber secure.”
A new standard
HHLA Sky’s introduction of the Integrated Control Center marks a significant advancement in drone management and control. This system enables operators to monitor and manage long-range drone flights without visual contact with the pilot. This is critical for operations such as inspecting infrastructure and monitoring large areas. The ability to monitor more than 100 BVLOS flights simultaneously underscores the scalability and efficiency of this technology.
One of the Integrated Control Center’s most important aspects is its emphasis on security and cybersecurity. Automated processes allow operators to intervene quickly if needed, significantly increasing drone flight reliability and safety. This is especially important in urban environments where mistakes can have serious consequences.
Working together for innovation
The opening of dronePORT Hamburg brought together several partners, including the Hamburg Port Authority, the Hamburg Police, and several companies and research institutions. This collaboration demonstrates the shared vision for the future of drone use and the role of innovation in urban infrastructure. The joint pursuit of efficient and safe drone operations can lead to further technological breakthroughs.
The applications of BVLOS drone flights are promising. The possibilities are endless from inspecting bridges and roads to monitoring the Port of Hamburg and shipping lanes. This technology offers an efficient and cost-effective way to inspect hard-to-reach locations, saving time and resources compared to traditional methods.
The future of Urban Air Mobility
The opening of dronePORT Hamburg and the introduction of the Integrated Control Center are just the beginning, according to the initiators. With continued innovations and collaborations, the possibilities for automated drone flights can grow further. This opens the door to a future where drones are integral to urban infrastructure, making inspections and monitoring more efficient and safer.
