Automating drone inspection? ALTEN integrated robotics, vision, and calibration into one expandable testing system spanning 400+ COTS and custom parts.
For a defense OEM modernizing its quality operations, ALTEN Technology replaced manual inspection processes with an automated testing system that integrates robotics, vision systems, and specialized calibration routines across multiple drone platforms. Delivered as a three-phase engagement spanning concept, design, and build and verification, the project began with an on-site kickoff to deep dive the client’s existing inspection process. ALTEN consolidated and optimized the client’s existing software platforms into a single, user-friendly application, then automated drone inspection and calibration using COTS robots and sensors alongside product-specific custom hardware, specifying more than 400 unique COTS and custom part numbers for the system. The solution was built and integrated at the ALTEN facility before being delivered, installed, and supported with training at the client site, with regular software demonstrations via emulators throughout the program. Designed with expansion in mind to accommodate additional drone models, the system reflected a close collaboration that drew upon Electrical, Software, Mechanical, Systems, and Quality Engineering and Project Management, using tools such as SolidWorks, C#, Visio, and OEM robot simulation software.