Aerial automation for critical environments: ITE’s commitment to remote drone operations
Automation and the remote operation of unmanned aerial systems are becoming established as one of the major drivers of transformation in strategic sectors such as defence, security, critical infrastructures and the airport environment.
In this context, Integración Tecnológica Empresarial (ITE) has taken a step forward with the incorporation of drone-in-a-box solutions, capable of operating autonomously and remotely, reducing response times, optimising resources and raising safety standards.
Among these solutions, the combination of the DJI Dock 3 with the Matrice 4TD aerial platform stands out — a system designed for demanding industrial missions that integrates automatic take-off and landing, autonomous recharging and advanced sensors, including a thermal camera, aimed at inspection, surveillance and continuous monitoring tasks.
To explore the strategic and operational approach behind this technology, we spoke with Juan Díaz, Director of Drone Solutions at ITE, who analyses the real value of automation, regulatory challenges and the future impact of these capabilities in complex environments such as airports.
Origin and motivation of the project
Q. What operational needs or common challenges did you identify across different professional environments that led ITE to commit to solutions based on autonomous systems such as Dock 3 and advanced aerial platforms like the Matrice 4TD?
A. The use of drones offers clear advantages in tasks such as industrial inspection, surveillance or security. However, in many scenarios, if the operation is not sufficiently automated, the appeal of the drone diminishes. Let us think of a security guard who has to take the equipment out of a case, deploy it, install the battery, launch the mission, monitor the flight, wait for its return and then pack it away again. In practice, that process can be less efficient than carrying out the patrol in a vehicle. That is where having a permanently deployed drone, ready to operate from a fixed location, makes sense, eliminating operational friction.
Use cases and areas of application
Q. In what types of environments do you believe this type of solution currently provides the greatest value?
A. They are particularly valuable in remote locations, with complex access or limited human resources. They also fit very well with repetitive, high-frequency operations, such as perimeter patrols or periodic infrastructure inspections, for example photovoltaic plants. In ITE’s specific case, we are proposing their use for the routine inspection of airport runways: pavement condition, detection of foreign objects, inspection of runway lighting and other critical aspects.
Differential value of the solution
Q. From a technological and operational perspective, what differentiates a dock or “nest” from traditional drone operating models?
A. This type of system makes the difference between a drone solution being truly beneficial, both operationally and economically, or not. Without automation, the drone may be technically superior to traditional methods, but operationally inferior. The dock turns the drone into a permanently available resource, integrated into the daily workflow.
Automation and remote operations
Q. Why are they key to improving efficiency and scaling operations in complex environments?
A. Automation and remote operation eliminate tasks with no added value, such as continuous transport, assembly and manual deployment of the drone. In addition to consuming the operator’s time, these processes generate wear and tear on the equipment. With a system installed and ready to operate, the pilot can devote most of their time to the mission itself, which is where value is really generated.
Remote operations and the regulatory framework
Q. What technical and regulatory implications are involved in operating without an on-site operator and how does ITE address them?
A. These operations do not fit within the open categories or standard scenarios, so they require specific authorisation from the competent authority, in Spain AESA. Each deployment requires a detailed study and the adoption of mitigation measures to guarantee safety. In some cases, the authorisation may include limitations on altitude, operating hours or operating conditions. It is an analysis that must always be addressed on a case-by-case basis, in coordination with clients and authorities.
Level of project maturity
Q. At what stage is the development currently within ITE?
A. ITE already has one of these systems deployed at its facilities in Móstoles and we are in the process of applying for AESA authorisation for its remote operation. The aim is to carry out tests and demonstrations from our offices in Rivas, where the Drone Solutions unit and the UAS operators are based. At a technological level, the team is integrating this platform with in-house solutions that already operate with drones flown in a traditional manner.