In an industrial world that is increasingly demanding in terms of safety, performance and sustainability, plant inspection has become an essential step. Whether to prevent risks, ensure regulatory compliance or optimize equipment performance, inspections play a central role in a company's maintenance strategy.
Historically, these missions were entrusted to specialized operators who intervened manually, sometimes in extreme conditions. But recent technological advances, particularly in the field of drones, are profoundly changing the situation. Multinnovan innovative player in the sector, offers a cutting-edge solution with its drone Stereo2drone, designed for complex, confined industrial environments.
This article reviews the various industrial inspection methods, their limitations, and how drone technology, and in particular the Stereo2is redefining standards in terms of safety, efficiency and economy.
Why is industrial inspection essential?
Industrial plants are subject to extreme conditions: high temperatures, corrosive products, high pressures, mechanical wear... All factors that can lead to breakdowns, leaks or even major accidents.
Inspections have several objectives:
- Prevent the risk of accidents or malfunctions : an undetected fault can cause considerable damage to the plant, the environment or personnel.
- Ensuring compliance with standards : regular checks enable us to comply with legal requirements and maintain the certifications necessary for our business.
- Optimize maintenance operations : by identifying faults at an early stage, unplanned production stoppages can be avoided.
- Extend equipment lifespan : maintenance based on accurate data enables proactive infrastructure management.
Whether in the energy, petrochemical, agri-food or transport sectors, industrial inspection is a key practice for guaranteeing plant reliability.
Traditional industrial inspection methods
Manual inspections are still widely used in many sectors. They are based on three main types of method:
Direct visual inspection
It involves an operator examining the installations with the naked eye or an endoscopic camera. This method is simple, but requires physical access, which is often complex in cramped or high-risk environments.
Specific means of access
Access to high or confined areas is often via :
- Scaffolding
- Aerial work platforms
- Industrial rope access technicians
In addition to the logistical cost, these methods present a number of safety risks for agents.
The main limitations of traditional methods
- Time and cost : scaffolding, mobilization of personnel, interruption of production.
- Significant human risk : exposure to gases, falls or extreme temperatures.
- Difficult or impossible access : some areas (tanks, chimneys, narrow pipes) cannot be inspected without dismantling.
It is in this context that drones provide an effective technological response.
Industrial inspection by drone: how does it work?
Inspection drones represent an innovative alternative to overcome the limitations of traditional methods. Thanks to their mobility, compactness and on-board equipment, they enable fast, accurate and safe inspections, even in confined environments.
The principle
The drone is piloted remotely by a trained operator.
It can :
- Access difficult or dangerous areas.
- Transmit images in real time to the operator.
- Record video and data for later analysis.
Multinnov's Stereo2, a solution made in France
Developed by Multinnovthe Stereo2 is an inspection drone specifically designed for confined industrial environments. This technological gem features several key innovations:
- Stabilized 4K camera for stereoscopic viewing or precise visual inspection.
- Powerful LED lighting system for navigation even in total darkness.
- Compact, rugged chassis capable of passing through narrow openings and withstanding hostile environments.
- Odometric stabilization system, for smooth images even in confined spaces.
Thanks to these features, the Stereo2 is a must-have tool for ITV (Televisual Inspection) inspections, tanks, technical tunnels or industrial chimneys.
The future: drone inspection
The integration of drones into industrial processes marks a major turning point. Not only do they improve working conditions for operators, they also make it possible to meet the technical challenges posed by modern infrastructures.
Comparison between traditional methods and UAVs
| Criteria | Traditional method | Inspection by drone (Stereo2) |
| Security | High operator risk | Maximum safety (no human exposure) |
| Accessibility | Limited, sometimes impossible | Very high, even in confined spaces |
| Intervention time | Long (mobilization, dismantling, access) | Very short, ready to use |
| Data quality | Average (depending on access conditions) | Excellent (4K image, stabilized video) |
| Cost | High | Profitable in the medium term |
| Compliance and traceability | Little automation | Systematic, structured recording |
Faced with the challenges of safety, performance and sustainability, industrial inspection can no longer rely solely on traditional methods. The emergence of technologies such as the inspection drone opens the way to safer, faster and more economical practices.
By integrating the Stereo2a 100% French solution developed by Multinnovindustrialists now have a cutting-edge tool for confidently inspecting previously inaccessible areas. This innovation marks a new era in industrial maintenance: that of technology at the service of safety and operational efficiency.
