SkyVisor Secures €1.2M to Advance AI-Driven Drone Inspections in Renewable Energy
Image Source: SkyVisor
Paris-based startup SkyVisor has successfully raised €1.2 million in a new funding round aimed at enhancing its AI-driven drone technology for renewable energy inspections. Led by Tomcat, the investment round also saw contributions from BPIfrance, Région Île-de-France, and other prominent industry investors. This financial boost is set to accelerate SkyVisor’s international expansion and drive advanced product development, solidifying its stance in the renewable energy sector.
Innovative AI-Powered Drone Solutions for Renewable Energy
SkyVisor specializes in providing in-house AI-driven drone inspection and asset management software tailored for wind and solar energy facilities. The company addresses the persistent challenge of accurately and efficiently inspecting renewable energy assets. Annually, SkyVisor inspects over 10 gigawatts of wind and solar assets, utilizing its state-of-the-art drone technology that integrates automatic flight operations with AI-based defect detection. This innovative approach has transformed preventive maintenance practices, identifying more than 200,000 defects through approximately 8,000 inspections each year.
[Read More: Revolutionizing Utility Management with AI-Enhanced Mobile Mapping!]
Enhancing Defect Detection with Artificial Intelligence
Artificial Intelligence has revolutionized defect detection in renewable energy systems by leveraging advanced technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and data analytics. AI-powered systems use sophisticated algorithms to process high-resolution drone-captured images, automatically identifying even the smallest anomalies that manual inspections might miss. For solar panels, AI can detect surface defects such as micro-cracks, discolorations, and shading effects with precision, ensuring swift maintenance to prevent energy loss. In wind turbines, AI models analyze structural integrity by pinpointing cracks, corrosion, and wear on turbine blades, enhancing operational reliability.
[Read More: Above the Danger: How AI-Enhanced Drones Are Transforming Landmine Detection]
Integrating Advanced Thermal Imaging for Enhanced Inspections
SkyVisor employs a diverse fleet of DJI drones, including models equipped with thermal imaging capabilities such as the Mavic 3T, Mavic 2 Enterprise Dual, Mavic 2 Enterprise Advanced, Matrice 30T, and Matrice 300 RTK with thermal payloads. These drones are fitted with high-resolution thermal cameras that detect temperature variations across wind and solar energy assets. This technology enables the identification of issues like overheating components or defective solar panels, which may not be visible through standard imaging techniques.
[Read More: DJI Neo Takes Flight: The Future of Personal Drones with AI Precision]
Strategic Funding to Fuel Global Expansion
The recent funding injection of €1.2 million will enable SkyVisor to extend its services into new markets across Europe and North America. Paul Fontaine, CEO of SkyVisor, expressed enthusiasm about the company’s growth prospects: “We’re thrilled to expand our service offering to new countries. With this funding, we can continue to push the boundaries of in-house renewable energy inspections, bringing our solutions to new regions and enhancing our platform and AI-tools to meet the evolving needs of the industry”.
[Read More: 6 Israeli Drone Companies Revolutionizing Civilian Life with Cutting-Edge Innovations]
Strengthening Leadership for International Growth
To support its global scaling ambitions, SkyVisor has appointed Claire Audin and Elie du Pré de Saint Maur as advisors to its board. Audin brings over 13 years of experience in infrastructure, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory strategy, while Elie, co-founder of Tomcat, has held senior positions such as Chief Marketing Officer at Doctolib and Chief Marketing & Strategy Officer at Edenred Group. Their combined expertise in renewable energy investments, B2B SaaS, and global marketing strategies positions SkyVisor for successful international expansion.
[Read More: Top 10 Global AI-Drone Regulatory Updates of 2024 You Must Know]
Commitment to Engineering Excellence
Founded in 2018 by Paul Fontaine and Fabien Sauvage, SkyVisor leverages deep expertise in drone technology, software engineering, and telecommunications. Fontaine’s background encompasses drone design, electrical engineering, computer science, big data management, and cloud development. Meanwhile, Sauvage brings over two decades of experience in software engineering and embedded systems, having worked with companies like Motorola Mobility. SkyVisor’s focus on in-house development, which includes automatic flight operations, digitalization, and AI-based defect analysis, ensures high-quality control and adaptability to industry changes. Their integrated platform empowers Independent Power Producers (IPPs), Independent Service Providers (ISPs), Engineering, Procurement & Construction Companies (EPCs), and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) to perform faster, more efficient, and precise in-house inspections.
[Read More: AI-Powered Drones Soar: Market Expected to Skyrocket to $206.9 Billion by 2033]
About SkyVisor
SkyVisor is a Paris-based startup specializing in AI-driven drone technology and asset management software for wind and solar energy sectors. Established in 2018, the company focuses on providing innovative solutions for preventive maintenance and efficient asset inspections, helping renewable energy providers enhance operational efficiency and sustainability.
[Read More: How AI Helps Monitor Overweight Trucks — Thereby Reducing Road Maintenance Costs]
License This Article
Source: Tech Funding News
