Techint Engineering & Construction conducted proof-of-concept tests to analyze the operational capacity of the devices and its dynamics in a pipeline project.

This isn't the first time Techint Engineering & Construction has transported cargo by air, but it is the first time using a drone. This innovation, the result of an extensive research and development process, was tested in August and September. It represents a significant step in optimizing the company's cargo logistics.

“After the tests, a report concluded that the drone is a valuable tool for optimizing logistical operations in projects and has great potential for the future,” said Alejandro Aguirre, Innovation Sr. Manager.

The drone was acquired through the startup UALI, which operated the equipment during the tests and enhanced its initial configuration. "For the activity to be approved by the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), UALI had to include both the drone and the category D pilot, as well as the activities to be performed, in its operations manual. This management would be handled by Techint E&C in the near future, modifying its own operations manual, which is also approved by ANAC, but for surveys using smaller drones," Aguirre added.

Advantages 

“The idea of incorporating cargo drones into projects is to provide an additional tool for logistical tasks, allowing us to replace many activities currently performed using conventional methods. It is undoubtedly a differentiator when responding to emergencies of all kinds,” explained Pablo Miguez, Innovation & Knowledge Management Leader.

The report concluded that the use of the drone offers multiple advantages. One of them is its ability to quickly access remote or hard-to-reach areas. In terrains with significant topographic differences, where natural obstacles hinder ground access and increase operational costs, the drone can fly over these obstacles, reducing transportation times.

Elias Julián, Logistics Leader, added: “In some of our projects the geography is favorable, but in others located in high mountains, such as mining projects, drones will be key to improving daily logistics, minimizing risks, and streamlining operations.”

Additionally, its use reduces times and operational costs by eliminating the dependency on ground transportation, which often faces congestion and complicated routes. “This capability is especially valuable in emergency situations. When an automatic external defibrillator (AED) or antivenom needs to be delivered, the speed of transportation can make a difference,” explained Juan Carlos Pais, Project QHSE Sr. Manager.

Another advantage of the drone is its ability to carry up to 40 kg on a single battery, facilitating the delivery of tools and supplies to work areas. This reduces the need for ground vehicles for smaller loads, streamlining logistics operations at the construction site. It can also operate in challenging weather conditions with winds of up to 42 km/h.

The equipment offers two transportation modes: box and hook. The box is ideal for smaller, rigid loads, while the hook allows for transporting larger or irregularly shaped items. "We have conducted initial tests with the hook and winch at TEPAM (Machinery Park) with very satisfactory results. We want to continue testing this system in more strategic locations, such as steel plants where we often offer our services," Aguirre added.

Another advantage is that the drone helps reduce environmental impact by eliminating the need for combustion vehicles for these light cargo transports, thus decreasing pollutant emissions during logistics operations.

Finally, its use increases safety in operations by reducing the need for personnel to perform transportation tasks in dangerous or hard-to-access terrains.

Relevant data 

· Can transport a load of up to 30 kg over a distance of up to 16 km with two batteries.

· Can carry 40 kg over a distance of 5 to 8 km with a single battery, depending on weather conditions.

· Allows a maximum flight speed of up to 20 m/s.

· Achieves a maximum flight altitude of up to 6,000 meters above sea level.

· Has a maximum wind resistance of 12 m/s.

· Allows enhanced video transmission via 4G.

· Features dual operator mode.

· Equipped with radar, binocular vision, and an intelligent obstacle sensor.