What Is a Drone Cage and Why Does It Matter? Uses, Types & Indoor Inspections
Drone cages are more than just protective shells—they play a crucial role in enabling safe and effective drone operations in complex environments. This article explores their functions, types, and key applications.
A drone cage is designed to protect both the drone and people around it. When a drone collides with an object, the cage prevents damage to the propellers and keeps the drone operational. In some cases, the drone can even continue flying after a collision, making these cages invaluable for navigating tight or unpredictable spaces.
There are different types of drone cages, each tailored for specific use cases. Some are add-ons for commercial drones, while others are built into specialized drones designed for indoor or confined space missions. Understanding the differences between them helps determine which one suits your needs best.
This article will cover the main scenarios where drone cages are used, explain the three primary types, and dive deeper into their most common applications. Whether you're looking to enhance safety during inspections or improve performance in challenging environments, this guide has you covered.
Understanding Drone Cages: Add-Ons vs. Enclosures
The term “drone cage†can be confusing because it refers to two distinct concepts. One type is a portable enclosure used at events like drone races or trade shows, often made of mesh or netting to keep people safe. These enclosures are not attached to the drone itself but create a safe flying zone.
On the other hand, when we talk about drone cages in this article, we’re referring to those that are part of the drone’s design. These cages are attached directly to the drone, such as on Flyability’s Elios 3 model, offering enhanced protection and maneuverability in tight spaces.
It's important to distinguish between the two since they serve different purposes and are suited for different environments.
The Origins of the Drone Cage
Drone cages have revolutionized how drones operate in environments where traditional flight isn’t feasible. Their development was driven by real-world challenges, particularly in industrial and emergency situations.
The concept gained traction after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. With dangerous radiation levels, sending humans into the plant was impossible. That’s when Flyability’s founders, Patrick Thévoz and Adrien Briod, began developing drones that could safely navigate inside the reactor using a collision-tolerant design.
This led to the creation of the Elios 1, Elios 2, and Elios 3—drones specifically designed with cages to withstand collisions and operate in confined spaces. These innovations opened up new possibilities for inspection, search and rescue, and data collection in hazardous areas.
Why Use Drones in Confined Spaces?
Drones are ideal for entering dangerous or hard-to-reach places because they eliminate the need for human risk. For example, in a nuclear plant, a drone can gather visual data without exposing workers to radiation. Similarly, in mines or sewers, drones can inspect structures that are too dangerous or small for people to access.
Using drones also saves time and money. Instead of setting up scaffolding for inspections, companies can deploy drones quickly and efficiently, reducing downtime and costs.
Where Are Drone Cages Used Today?
Drone cages are now used in a wide range of industries and environments. They enable safe and reliable operation in spaces where collisions are likely and human presence is risky.
Some of the most common applications include:
- Inspections inside nuclear power plants
- Checking boilers and pressure vessels in the oil and gas industry
- Exploring mines and tunnels
- Assessing burned-out buildings after fires
- Inspecting sewer systems
- Maintaining water parks and other infrastructure
As drone technology continues to evolve, so do the possibilities for using cages in even more creative and critical ways.
The Three Main Types of Drone Cages
There are three primary types of drone cages available today, each with its own advantages and limitations:
- Add-on cages: Designed to be attached to commercial drones, these provide basic protection but may not offer full collision tolerance.
- Decoupled cages: Used in models like the Elios 1, these allow the drone to remain stable even after collisions, making them ideal for tight spaces.
- Fixed cages: Found in advanced models like the Elios 2 and Elios 3, these are built into the drone from the start, offering superior durability and performance.
Each type serves different purposes, and choosing the right one depends on your specific needs and environment.
1. Add-On Drone Cages
Add-on cages are popular among hobbyists and casual users who want extra protection. However, they are not always suitable for professional or industrial applications.
While they can prevent propeller injuries, they don’t necessarily make the drone collision-tolerant. Many commercial drones equipped with add-on cages still suffer damage upon impact. Additionally, these cages can reduce flight time due to added weight and may disable obstacle avoidance features.
They are better suited for low-risk environments rather than high-stakes inspections or confined-space missions.
2. Decoupled Drone Cages
Decoupled cages, like those found on the Elios 1, allow the drone to stay stable even after collisions. The cage is not rigidly attached to the drone; instead, it moves independently, absorbing impacts without affecting flight stability.
This design makes the drone highly maneuverable in tight spaces and allows for unique flying techniques, such as rolling along surfaces. The modular structure also makes repairs easier, as damaged parts can be replaced without replacing the entire cage.
However, the cage may appear in images, which can be a drawback for certain inspection tasks.
3. Fixed Drone Cages
Fixed drone cages, seen in the Elios 2 and Elios 3, are the most advanced type. Unlike add-on cages, these are integrated into the drone’s design, allowing for greater durability and performance in challenging conditions.
These drones feature collision-resilient flight algorithms and motor controllers, ensuring stability even after repeated impacts. They can sustain collisions at speeds of up to 3 meters per second without damage, making them ideal for industrial inspections and emergency response.
Additional features like GPS-free stabilization, live HD streaming, and LiDAR sensors further enhance their capabilities, making them a top choice for professionals.
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