COULD 2017 BE THE YEAR A DRONE BECOMES A VITAL PART OF EVERY TRADESPERSONS TOOLKIT?
Drones are fast becoming an important piece of kit for many professions, such as photographers, videographers and emergency response teams. But figures from last year’s UK Drone Usage Report revealed another lesser- known industry that relies on this technology to benefit its services. When analysing the top 10 business sectors utilising
drones, trades came in top at 11.5 per cent, beating manufacturing (9.9 per cent), information and communications (9.1 per cent) and even creative and photographic (8.8 per cent) sectors. The report noted that drones aided the trade sector by assisting in inspecting machinery, costing jobs and other practical tasks, highlighting the clear advantages these versatile vehicles bring. Beyond being used as a tool for inspection, larger-
scale drones fitted with industrial sensors, such as laser scanners, can collect huge amounts of high-resolution data. This can then be analysed using specialist software and turned into 3D models. With this information, safety on building sites can be improved, while identifying and
minimising future issues can reduce costs, further benefiting the sector. By adapting a drone to suit their needs, the advantages that this technology can bring are clear for both small businesses with tradespeople visiting clients, and large corporations working on permanent sites. Ben Keene, operations director at ConsortiQ, said:
“Implementing a drone into existing operations is simple when assisted by knowledgeable staff. This is what we do at ConsortiQ, to offer this kind of expertise to businesses that require it.”
consortiq.com
ADDRESSING THE DIGITAL SKILLS SHORTAGE IN INDUSTRIAL SECTOR
Westermo and Southampton Solent University have teamed up to help address the digital skills shortage affecting the UK industrial and manufacturing sector, by introducing students to data communications technology used to support the widespread applications of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). Westermo has provided the University’s computer networking
department with a range of data communications technology, enabling students to broaden the scope of their studies by focusing on the design and implementation of industrial networks. Equipment that is used to create resilient, reliable and
secure networks in harsh industrial environments will help undergraduates learn how the latest IIoT technology is being deployed in railway, offshore oil and gas, and utility applications. “There is currently a skills and digital expertise shortage within the UK industrial and manufacturing sector,”
said Alan Bollard, managing director of Westermo Data Communications. “The increased connectivity and data delivery made possible by the IIoT is a game-changer across many industries in terms of operational improvements, but it places greater demands on industrial networking infrastructure. By introducing students to networking technology specific to industrial applications, we hope to highlight some exciting new career options and steer talented young people towards the industrial sector.”
www.westermo.com
Flexicon announce that it will be showing its range of flexible conduit cable protection solutions, including its new Flexicon Ultra fitting, on stand FO2 in hall 16 at Hannover Messe, on 24 to 28 April.
www.flexicon.uk.com
The 2017 EW Awards will take place at Madame Tussauds on 18 May 2017. The night will celebrate and reward the achievements and services of electrical wholesalers and manufacturers across the industry. Voting for the EW Awards 2017 is still open.
electricalwholesalerawards.co.uk
The BCIA are delighted to have received a record number of entries for the 2017 BCIA Awards, showing that there is an increased standard of excellence across the entire industry. After much deliberation the finalists were decided on and a full list can be found here:
www.bcia.co.uk
SDG&E is showcasing the world’s largest lithium-ion battery energy storage facility, in partnership with AES Energy Storage, which will enhance regional energy reliability while maximising renewable energy use. The 30mw facility is capable of
storing up to 120mw hours of energy, the equivalent of serving 20,000 customers for four hours.
www.sdge.com
ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING | MARCH 2017
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