Drone Charging System with Quadruped Robot

A drone station mounted on a dog-shaped robot enables wireless charging for drones. In addition, by transporting the drone to its takeoff point, the system achieves wider operational coverage than conventional solutions.
This system is primarily intended for remote situational monitoring at disaster sites and infrastructure facilities, contributing to labor-saving operations and improved worker safety.

Development Background

In recent years, the use of drones for infrastructure inspection and facility patrols has expanded. However, several challenges remain:

・Manual intervention for battery replacement
・Operational limitations caused by fixed drone port installations
・Risks associated with human entry into hazardous areas

In addition, although dog-shaped robots (e.g., SPOT) offer high mobility, integration with drones is still a highly innovative and largely unexplored field.

System Overview

This system consists of the following configuration.
A drone station mounted on a dog-shaped robot functions as a mobile drone base station through wireless drone charging (contactless charging).

Features

・ Operational Flow 
    The robot transports the drone to the takeoff point → the drone takes off → inspection → landing → automatic charging, enabling a fully automated sequence of operations

 ・Wireless Charging 
    Contactless charging improves resistance to rain and dusty environments while enhancing maintainability

 ・ High Mobility 
    The use of a dog-shaped robot allows movement across steps, stairs, outdoor areas, and uneven terrain 

 ・Mobile Drone Station 
    Unlike conventional fixed drone stations, the system can move and operate wherever needed

Solves the limitations of conventional fixed drone stations and greatly improves operational flexibility

Technical Features

・No special application required (designed below 50W and exempt from High-Frequency Utilization Equipment application requirements)
・Drone charging capability (e.g., Air3S: 29W charging, DJI Mini: 18W charging)
・Base station port dimensions: circular structure with a diameter of φ50 cm
・Axis misalignment tolerance: charging possible within a 100 mm diameter range 

Applicable for Disaster Response

This system is suitable for information gathering in environments that are difficult or dangerous for humans to enter.

・Monitoring conditions in high-radiation areas
・Capturing images inside and around buildings
・Assessing risks of secondary disasters

The system is also expected to be useful at sites affected by earthquakes, fires, and chemical disasters as a rapid situational assessment tool.
 

Expected Applications

・Situation monitoring and remote investigation during disasters (including inaccessible areas)
・Inspection of infrastructure and facilities (factories, power plants, buildings)
・Security and surveillance patrols (facilities, premises, perimeter monitoring)
・Construction site progress monitoring and safety management
・Inspection of locations difficult for humans to access, such as high or narrow spaces
・Wildlife damage prevention

Future Developments

We will continue improving the environmental durability and operational stability of this system to advance practical deployment in even harsher environments. At the same time, we are working on enhancing power supply systems and charging efficiency for long-duration operation. Furthermore, with future deployment in infrastructure inspection and disaster response fields in mind, we aim to establish this system as a highly practical inspection solution by adapting it to various on-site operational requirements.

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Omiya Showroom Information

B&PLUS offers tours of its permanent wireless power transfer showroom. In the showroom, visitors can experience not only drone charging but also the latest wireless power transfer technologies firsthand. Reservations are required, so please visit here for details.
*Depending on equipment availability, your preferred demo units may not be available for viewing. Please contact us in advance regarding the demo units you wish to see.