Infrared Cameras Inc. Partners to Equip Drones with Imaging Tech

Infrared Cameras Inc. (ICI), a developer of thermal cameras and infrared systems, formed a technology partnership with Ondas Holdings Inc., a provider of private wireless data and drone solutions through its wholly owned subsidiaries Ondas Networks Inc. and American Robotics Inc. Through the partnership, combined with ICI’s optical gas imaging and thermal sensors, American Robotics’ autonomous Scout System drone will be equipped with the technology needed to automate inspection of oil and gas assets and identification of methane leaks.

According to Reese Mozer, co-founder and CEO of American Robotics, the partnership allows American Robotics to expand its product offerings with features tailored for the oil and gas industry. This will enable customers to automate inspections of critical assets such as tanks, pipes, and pumps, Mozer said. He added that the solutions being developed in connection with the ICI partnership are designed to meet specific customer requests.

ICI’s infrared technology conducts tank and flare monitoring and can be used to perform oil well imaging. The technology can be used to locate hot spots on pressure vessels and assist in water and wastewater management for the oil and gas industry, according to the company, via its website. As part of the partnership with American Robotics, ICI’s optical gas imaging and thermal sensors will enable American Robotics’ Scout System to autonomously collect critical data and identify anomalies such as methane leaks and equipment and electrical hot spots.

The market for drone solutions in the oil and gas industry is estimated to be $23.9 billion by 2027, according to Ondas Holdings. Ondas acquired American Robotics and its fully automated drone technology last year.

The target release for the combined ICI/American Robotics technology is 2023.