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FalconViz’s Dr Luca Passone: A Bird’s Eye View On UAV Demand in the Middle East | |
| Staff Writer |
During the forecast period of 2022-2027, the drones market in MEA is projected to soar with a CAGR of over 8%, according to Mordor Intelligence.
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The region's construction industry boasts more than 70,000 major active projects, serving as a driving force behind technological advancements in the industry. The collaboration between drone manufacturers and solutions companies plays a significant role in this innovation. To meet the specialized needs of the construction, infrastructure management, and security and surveillance sectors in the Middle East, drone service providers are diversifying and customizing their solution portfolios for added revenue.
The drones industry in Israel and South Africa is gaining momentum thanks to cutting-edge technological developments, like the hybrid propulsion systems equipped in Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) drones, ultimately leading to extended loitering time.
FalconViz, a visionary company specializing in data collection, processing, and visualization, pioneers drone-based services. Built on ground-breaking research emanating from King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST), FalconViz expertly harnesses its global and domestic UAV-related patents in hardware, software, and design. Consequently, it has garnered an impressive client list, including Saudi Aramco and KAUST, among others, reigniting the fire of innovation.
The T2NZ team engages in a one-of-a-kind conversation with Dr. Luca Passone, Co-founder and General Manager of FalconViz, delving into the thriving UAV industry and its consistently growing demand across various sectors in the region.
Q: Please describe your expectations for the Middle Eastern unmanned aerial vehicle market.
A: This is a very difficult question to answer as the political situation across the Middle Eastern countries varies dramatically when comparing for example Saudi Arabia, Emirates, and Qatar to countries like Iraq, Syria and Yemen. In Saudi Arabia, our main market, the use has exploded in recent years, especially for services that are geared towards surveying, mapping and documentation. However, the heavy regulations and restrictions mean that recreational use is still very limited.
Q: Globally, the UAV market is thriving with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology what is the status here in the Middle East?
A: We have observed an increasing demand from clients to leverage the capabilities of drones. When we initially began a decade ago, the production of georeferenced ortho maps and high-resolution elevation models at centimetre-level accuracy already represented a significant advancement for clients accustomed to traditional surveying methods.
However, in the present day, this has become merely the starting point for providing data to support endeavours such as Building Information Models (BIM), Construction Progress Monitoring, and Cultural Heritage Conservation. Additionally, Artificial Intelligence algorithms are now capable of identifying specific features like palm trees, mangroves, and animals, while automatically generating inspection reports for solar farms, among other applications. More recently, with the rise of the metaverse, we have noticed a growing desire from clients to integrate their assets into virtual worlds, facilitating interaction through VR headsets.
Q: Using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other relevant technology, FalconViz offers comprehensive digital asset and process digitalization services. Please tell us more.
A: At FalconViz, we specialize in transforming physical assets into digital counterparts, as exemplified by our tagline: Your World, Digitized. Our approach involves employing various acquisition technologies, including drones, lidar, and mobile mapping, to gather data on the physical asset. Subsequently, we process this data to generate a virtual 3D representation of the asset. Leveraging our extensive expertise and, when necessary, proprietary software, we package the 3D model in formats that enable clients to derive maximum value. These formats may include a web application, a PDF report, or even a comprehensive virtual world experience in Virtual Reality.
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Q: The goal of FalconViz's digital documentation is to make global mapping more precise, faster, and more comprehensive. What other applications do you envisage being able to develop over the next few years?
A: In our early days, even covering a 1km2 area posed significant challenges. Collecting and processing the required data was a complex endeavour, as drones lacked autonomous flight capabilities, and camera integrations, while the software itself demanded the expertise of skilled scientists just to install. However, the landscape has undergone a remarkable transformation.
Similar to the ubiquity of computers, drones have become increasingly prevalent, with nearly everyone either owning one or knowing someone who does. The future holds tremendous potential for autonomy, although progress is contingent upon regulations keeping pace. Once regulatory hurdles are overcome, we can anticipate the widespread adoption of drones in various domains. Security, construction monitoring, asset management, precision agriculture, and numerous other sectors will benefit greatly, as drones can operate without the need for an on-site operator. Instead, they can be centrally managed, delivering real-time data to key decision-makers.
Q: The Middle East seems to be getting more interested in UAVs. Anywhere, really, but especially in manufacturing, transportation, and the logistics of online retail. What do you think?
A: In my opinion, the utilization of drones in logistics is likely to be limited to specialised applications for the next 5 to 10 years. It is evident that strict limitations on maximum payload are necessary for densely populated areas, as it is reasonable to assume that people would be reluctant to have someone's wardrobe flying above their heads while they are taking their kids to school. Companies like Zipline have successfully identified specific niches, such as delivering life-saving medicines to remote regions in Rwanda where conventional road transportation is impractical and the areas between distribution centers and final destinations are largely uninhabited. However, challenges related to regulations, security (ensuring deliveries are not stolen), and infrastructure remain crucial areas of research in order to establish a feasible and satisfactory experience in urban or densely populated areas.
We can still anticipate drone installations in specialized locations, such as rural areas or upscale hotels situated in locations where tasks like transporting food from the kitchen to a remote villa would be impractical using traditional means.
Q: When it comes to drones, and given the current limitations, over the next 10 years, what’s the most viable energy storage system, for UAVs, that you expect to see?
A: One of the significant challenges with batteries is their energy density. For instance, current-generation Li-Ion batteries have approximately 100 times less storage density compared to the fuel used in cars. In the case of drones, specific requirements regarding weight, size, discharge rate, and wide operating temperatures pose strict limitations.
This is particularly relevant in places like Saudi Arabia and the Middle East, where extreme temperature ranges are a concern. Unlike electric cars that can accommodate heating or cooling systems for batteries, drones face space and weight constraints.
Although electric motors offer superior efficiency compared to internal combustion engines, we have not yet reached the point where batteries surpass the capabilities of traditional fuels. Consequently, hybrid drones with internal combustion engines are often employed in scenarios where uptime is critical. These drones primarily rely on fuel as the main power source, with a small battery backup to sustain flight during emergency landings.
However, the use of hybrid drones presents challenges. They are more complex and require greater maintenance, making them less accessible to a wide range of pilots. Research indicates that significant advancements in drone battery technology within the price range of $5,000 to $30,000 are unlikely in the near future. Emerging technologies often necessitate intricate support systems to manage the batteries, which can outweigh their benefits.
In my opinion, small consumer drones will continue to utilize Li-Ion cells, while professional drones will increasingly adopt simplified hybrid systems.
A final note to consider is their lifetime, often quoted in charge cycles, which will have an important effect on the environmental impact of disposing of the large volume of batteries.
Q: In the drone industry, what are the biggest challenges? How can we find solutions to them?
A: Currently, one of the major challenges in the drone industry revolves around regulations. As drones compete for airspace with manned aircraft, finding efficient ways to surpass the legal altitude limit of 120 meters while ensuring the safety of all parties involved becomes crucial. This becomes particularly problematic as projects expand in scale and size, making the existing altitude restriction increasingly restrictive.
Furthermore, as you rightly pointed out, energy storage is a significant consideration. The ideal scenario would involve drones that can fly throughout the day, carry substantial payloads, and still maintain a relatively lightweight design to operate effectively in various environments. Advancements in energy storage technology would be a game-changer for operators. Fortunately, other technological innovations are already contributing to lowering barriers to entry, such as collision avoidance systems, ADS-B receivers, and several other features that will continue to evolve in the coming years.
Another aspect that requires attention is fostering more serious competition in the professional drone market. Presently, the industry is dominated by one or two companies that hold a majority of the market share. This dominance makes it challenging to find viable alternatives when their products do not align with specific project requirements. Encouraging a more diverse and competitive landscape would provide operators with a wider range of options and foster innovation.
In summary, addressing regulatory limitations, advancing energy storage capabilities, and promoting healthy competition in the professional drone sector are key factors that can drive the industry forward and enable the realisation of more ambitious projects.
Q: FalconViz develops customised software to meet the specific requirements of each individual client. Its tailored software boosts effectiveness and output while decreasing anxiety and irritation. May I inquire as to the nature of this customization?
A: FalconViz specializes in customizing software to meet the specific requirements of each individual client. The nature of this customization can vary based on the client's needs and goals.
These are just a few examples of the customization options FalconViz may offer. The exact nature of customization would be determined through discussions and consultations with the client to understand their unique requirements.
Q: FalconViz renders services to various government agencies and departments. Please elaborate.
A: FalconViz offers a comprehensive digital solution to government clients, providing them with an innovative approach to visualize and manage assets while linking them to GIS and surveying data. This results in the development of a complete and innovative solution for the clients, allowing them to freely and interactively visualize, manage, and analyze asset data.
Q: What sparked your curiosity and led you to explore and pioneer in the cutting-edge arenas of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs)?
A: It all began nearly 15 years ago with a simple GoPro attached to a kite, capturing photos of a friend's birthday celebration at the beach. Although only a few photos turned out well, this experience sparked my curiosity, leading me to explore the world of model aircraft. During that time, electronic flight controllers were still in their early stages, requiring extensive tuning and experimentation to achieve optimal results.
However, it was all done purely for the joy of the experience.
Everything changed when I had the opportunity to collaborate with Dr Neil Smith on creating a 3D model of the University Mosque. The quality of the model surpassed our expectations, capturing intricate details with remarkable accuracy. This achievement caught the attention of the vice mayor of Jeddah, who recognized the potential of this technology in documenting and preserving the historical city center for its UNESCO heritage site designation.
Recognizing the significance of this breakthrough, Dr Shalaby joined our team to contribute to the business development aspect of our venture. We secured funding from the University, enabling us to further refine and expand our idea. Together, we embarked on a journey to harness the power of digital modelling and preservation, inspired by the transformative impact it could have on cultural heritage and beyond.
Q: Please share with our readers some of your key efforts towards advancing sustainability, both in your professional and personal domains.
A: As the onset of the COVID pandemic emerged, FalconViz swiftly implemented proactive measures to facilitate remote work for all employees. Recognizing the importance of employee well-being and productivity, we later devised policies that enabled seamless work-from-home arrangements. Furthermore, we extended this flexibility to international employees who demonstrated exceptional commitment to our organization, offering them the privilege to work from their home countries for shorter durations (subject to specific criteria).
In addition to fostering remote work, we implemented office rotation strategies to further optimize commuting patterns. By reducing the need for daily commutes, we not only enhanced employee productivity but also contributed to a significant reduction in kilometers travelled. This initiative has proven beneficial for our workforce, providing them with a better work-life balance while minimizing unnecessary travel.
At FalconViz, we firmly believe that creating a supportive work environment, both in terms of remote work flexibility and reduced commuting, is vital for the well-being and productivity of our employees. By proactively implementing these policies, we have successfully adapted to the challenges posed by the pandemic and continue to prioritize the needs of our team members.
Q: How do you spend your leisure hours?
A: Since becoming a father, my free time has become quite limited. However, whenever I do get a chance, you might catch me racing across the sandy dunes on my motorbike. Lately, I've been actively participating in different competitions, including completing the Baja Qatar race in March and securing first place in the BMW-organized Saudi national competition, which got me a spot in the Middle Eastern GS Trophy qualifier. It's an exhilarating experience that keeps my adventurous spirit alive.
In addition to my outdoor pursuits, I also have a fondness for computer games. I enjoy spending time playing them with friends from around the world on a custom-built, liquid-cooled PC that I assembled myself. It's a passion that allows me to unwind when I am too tired after a long day and keeps my reflexes up to scratch.
While my responsibilities as a father keep me busy, I cherish the moments I can dedicate to my family, especially when travelling together and making memories. More than any motorbike race, they provide me with the opportunity to embrace my adventurous side and find moments of relaxation and enjoyment amidst a busy life.