Carinthian firms develop drones for security work

Carinthian companies are developing new security technology, including large drones for infrastructure monitoring, ORF reported after 45 exhibitors from Germany, Austria and Switzerland took part in the first Security Expo at the Klagenfurt trade fair grounds.

The exhibitors focused on new camera systems for monitoring infrastructure. Drones are increasingly being used to inspect facilities such as wind turbines, with software helping to calculate flight routes.

Alexander Dreihann-Holenia, whose company in Klagenfurt specialises in platforms for high-performance drones, said their size allows them to carry heavier payloads. Depending on the application, operators can fit them with cameras and other sensors for surveillance.

Modern battery systems allow the drones to fly for up to 40 minutes with a full payload, Dreihann-Holenia said. He added that inspections can be completed faster than when carried out by people, and that operators can control a drone remotely from anywhere in the world via satellite communications.

Security Expo organiser Thilo Könicke said the industry had changed in recent years. With a shortage of human resources, security increasingly needs to combine people with technology, making software and technical solutions essential. Drones and other security technologies are particularly attractive to larger companies and institutions, he said.