Project Summary

Inteliports aims to incorporate a new autonomous charging device into its drone
ports called the ‘Universal Connection System’. The solution will enable charge
to be delivered to drones by means of a mechanical ‘gripper’ external accessory.
Only simple rewiring will be required internally to enable autonomous power to be
delivered to the drone ports, which autonomously manage fleets and payloads with
advanced robotic systems.

Project Achievements

Inteliports develops drone port solutions that autonomously manage charging, payload
handling, and fleet control using advanced robotics. These systems innovate in UAV ground
support by creating a hub solution for autonomous missions both in the air and on the ground
without needing onsite personnel.
The outputs of this project included 1) a SMART battery technology that could be fast charged
2) design and implementation of a Universal Connection System (UCS) that can be fitted onto
any drone to enable charging and autonomy within the Inteliports ecosystem and 3) 2x faster
charging capability with a theoretical 20x improvement given a capable power source.
The outputs of the project proved potential capabilities in the autonomous deployment of
any UAV with high efficiency (99%) charging capability with a low cost, lightweight,
low intrusion module.

Conclusions

The TRIG project introduced the Universal Connection System, an autonomous charging
system that integrates easily with any drone, requiring only simple internal rewiring to provide
autonomous power delivery and fleet management. With the new implementation of the UCS
Inteliports have the full technology stack available for not only Inteliports drones, but also any
3rd party operator. This offers flexibility in the business model which is crucial in the increasingly
fast paced drone market.
As drones increase in weight and the energy needed to recharge them increases, the need
for fast efficient charging becomes ever more important. With respect to energy waste in
particular, Inteliports demonstrated high efficiency charging capabilities within a drone
agnostic environment. This is crucial when aerial logistics is scaled and the demand for
power increases.

Next Steps

Inteliports is implementing this technology and is developing commercial relationships within the UK and India to disseminate the technology. Within Inteliports autonomy ecosystem, Inteliports is developing solutions for increased power capability. This technology will press the apparent 20x advantage in charging capability that is possible with the UCS and seeks to fully charge a heavy lift UAV within 15 minutes. Facilitating high speed turn around boosts the business justification for UAVs and autonomous ground support, decreasing overhead and UAV capital.
Inteliports has started working with other specialists across industries to ensure that the future of mobility is a considered and interconnected system. For instance, speaking with City Councils and EV charging suppliers to co-located intelligent drone ports and EV infrastructure together – creating community hubs for the cities of tomorrow