The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is deploying drones to support the largest construction project in the agency’s history. Two drone-in-a-box systems have been set up on the roof of Longworth Hall in Cincinnati by DriveOhio’s Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS) Center to provide real-time visuals for the team working on the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project.
ODOT pilots can remotely operate the drones from several miles away at the UAS Center, collecting information to support bridge inspections and monitor traffic. With zoom and thermal vision capabilities, the drones can help ODOT safely assess conditions of structures and identify traffic circulation issues that may arise.
Once a mission is completed, the drone automatically returns to its docking station to recharge. With two drones, ODOT can fly one at a time or operate both simultaneously.
The technology is intended to expand ODOT’s capabilities by making operations more efficient and safer while providing more immediate information for decision-making.
Photo by Daniel Reche from Pexels
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