When it comes to testing drones, there’s no substitute for the real deal: the great outdoors. Wind, rain, and changing light conditions pose real challenges that can’t be replicated indoors. By getting out there and putting our drones to the test in these conditions, we’re ensuring they’re up to the challenge in any situation, whether for research, photography, or even search and rescue missions.
Project Planning
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Overview
The University of Florida approached Gorilla Netting in the Summer of 2021 with a proposal to build a customized netted drone enclosure on nearby, university-owned acreage.
The netted drone enclosure system measures 240’L x 60′W x 30’H and utilizes treated knotted nylon netting with utility-grade hardware. The hardwood poles used in this project were sourced from sustainable tree farms across the country that have been specially treated for durability. These 30-foot support poles resist Florida’s heat and harsh weather.
The Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) financed this unique netting system as an “Autonomy Park” for a Center of Excellence on Assured Autonomy in Contested Environments. Gorilla Netting completed the project, which was well-received by staff and faculty alike. The facility includes a cutting-edge 5G-enabled enclosed environment for various autonomous air and ground robotic systems classes.
Florida is a region with blazing heat and occasional intense storms; however, this system was built to withstand the elements and provide students and the military with a high-tech location to test drone and UAV applications for years to come.
For more information on netted drone testing enclosures, trust the experts, contact a Gorilla Netting representative today.
Client: University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, FL
Services: Netted Drone Enclosure
Challenge
Drone testing in outdoor environments presents many challenges due to the unpredictable nature of the elements such as wind, rain, and varying light conditions. These factors can significantly impact the performance and stability of drones, making it essential to assess their capabilities in real-world conditions.
Wind gusts can destabilize drones, affecting their flight path and maneuverability, while rain or snow can interfere with sensors and electrical components. Moreover, varying light conditions can affect the performance of cameras and other optical systems onboard.
Testing drones outdoors allows students & engineers to evaluate their resilience to these challenges, optimize their designs, and ensure their reliability and safety in diverse environmental conditions, ultimately leading to more robust and capable drone technologies for various applications ranging from surveillance and aerial photography to search and rescue missions.
Solution
Installing a netted drone test enclosure system is an ideal solution to address the need for outdoor drone testing while mitigating risks. This system comprises a large, open-air enclosure with sturdy poles & netting that surrounds the testing area, providing a safe and controlled environment for drone experimentation. The netting is a protective barrier, preventing drones from flying out of bounds while allowing them to operate freely within the designated airspace. This setup ensures the safety of the drones and nearby individuals, as any unexpected maneuvers or malfunctions are contained within the enclosure.
Gorilla Netting will design an enclosure that can be customized to accommodate drones of various sizes and testing requirements. Whether testing small consumer drones or large industrial UAVs, the enclosure can be tailored to suit specific research or educational needs. Moreover, the system can be expanded or reconfigured as necessary to accommodate future growth and advancements in drone technology, making it a long-term investment for the university’s research and development endeavors.
Implementing a netted drone test enclosure system provides a safe, flexible, and technology-rich environment for conducting outdoor drone experiments, furthering your commitment to innovation and excellence in unmanned aerial systems research.
