Une start-up grecque utilise des drones pour surveiller les éoliennes

Perceptual Robotics, a Greek start-up, has made headlines for deploying drone technology to monitor wind turbines across 18 countries, including Chile and Sweden. The company, which was founded a decade ago by two Greek students and a British student studying at the University of Bristol, now serves 50 clients using its advanced drone systems. On July 28, Perceptual Robotics announced a €4.6 million investment round aimed at accelerating product development and expanding its operations globally. The drone monitoring system developed by Perceptual Robotics allows for real-time data collection and analysis of wind turbine performance. This innovation helps reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiency in renewable energy production. By utilizing aerial drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors, the company provides detailed inspections that would otherwise require costly manual checks or shutdowns of turbines. Founded in 2014, Perceptual Robotics began as a research project focused on autonomous robotics and artificial intelligence. Over time, the team shifted its focus toward practical applications in the energy sector, particularly in wind farm management. The company's founders, who remain active in the business, have emphasized the importance of technological advancement in making renewable energy more reliable and cost-effective. The recent €4.6 million funding comes from a mix of venture capital firms and strategic investors interested in the clean energy transition. The injection of capital will support the expansion of Perceptual Robotics' client base and the development of new features such as predictive analytics and AI-driven diagnostics. The company aims to increase its presence in Europe while exploring opportunities in emerging markets across South America and Asia. In addition to its core services, Perceptual Robotics has partnered with several national energy agencies and private utility companies to integrate its drone-based monitoring solutions into existing infrastructure. These partnerships have enabled the company to offer tailored services that meet the specific needs of different regions and regulatory environments. For example, in Scandinavia, the firm works closely with local authorities to ensure compliance with strict environmental standards. The success of Perceptual Robotics reflects broader trends in the global shift toward automation and digitalization in the energy sector. As renewable energy sources become more prevalent, the demand for efficient and accurate monitoring technologies continues to grow. Companies like Perceptual Robotics are playing a crucial role in this transformation by providing innovative tools that enhance operational reliability and sustainability. Looking ahead, Perceptual Robotics plans to launch a pilot program in collaboration with a major European energy provider to test its next-generation drone systems. The initiative will involve deploying advanced AI models capable of predicting equipment failures before they occur, potentially reducing downtime and increasing overall productivity. The results of this trial could influence future investments and expand the company's reach even further.