Drone-Assisted Confined Space Inspection and Stockpile Volume Estimation

The accuracy of stockpile estimations is immense criticality to process optimisation and overall financial decision making within manufacturing operations. Despite well-established correlations between inventory management profitability, safe deployment measurement inspection activities remain challenging labour-intensive. This perhaps owing a combination size, shape irregularity as well the health hazards cement raw materials products. Through simulations real-life assessment fully integrated plant, this study explores potential drones safely enhance volume estimations. Different types LiDAR sensors in with different flight trajectory options were assessed through simulation whilst mapping representative stockpiles placed both open confined areas. During assessment, drone was equipped GPS for localisation, addition 1D barometer height estimation. usefulness proposed approach established based on pile unknown an area, known semi-confined area. Visual generated surface showed strong actual area accurately measured. Finally, comparative analysis cost complexity solution several existing initiatives revealed its proficiency low-cost robotic system spaces whereby visibility, air quality, humidity, high temperature are unfavourable.