What Does a Drone Cage Do? Use Cases, Types & Indoor Inspections
There are three different types of drone cages on the market—read this article to learn about each one.
Drone cages serve a dual purpose: they protect people from potential harm caused by a drone’s propellers and also safeguard the drone itself from damage in case of a collision. These cages aren’t just about survival—they can actually allow a drone to collide and keep flying.
But not all drone cages are created equal. Some are designed as add-ons for commercial drones, while others are built specifically for drones meant to operate in tight or confined spaces where collisions are more common.
In this article, we’ll explore the various scenarios that require a drone cage, examine the three main types available, and dive deeper into their most popular applications.
Understanding Drone Cages: Attachments vs. Enclosures
Before we go further, it's important to clarify that the term “drone cage†can refer to two different things. Sometimes it refers to an enclosure used at events like trade shows or drone races to protect people from potential drone accidents. These enclosures are often made of netting or wire mesh, like the ones seen in public demonstrations.
However, when we talk about “drone cages†in this article, we’re referring to those that are attached directly to the drone, such as the ones found on Flyability’s Elios 3:
The Origin of the Drone Cage
Drone cages have opened up a wide range of new applications, especially for flying indoors. But how did this idea come about?
It started after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The need for remote visual data collection without risking human lives led to the development of collision-tolerant drones. This inspired the creation of the Elios 1, Elios 2, and Elios 3—drones with built-in cages designed for safe operation in dangerous environments.
The Elios 2 drone cage in action
Why Use a Drone in Confined Spaces?
Safety is the primary reason to use a drone instead of a person in confined areas. For example, during the Fukushima disaster, it was too dangerous for humans to enter the reactor, but drones could collect critical visual data.
Similarly, in industries like mining, construction, and utilities, drones equipped with cages help inspectors gather visual data without putting workers at risk. They also save companies money by reducing the need for scaffolding and minimizing downtime.
Where Are Drone Cages Used?
Drone cages are used wherever there’s a risk of collision and where drones and people share space. They’re ideal for disaster scenarios, industrial inspections, and everyday operations in challenging environments.
Some common applications include:
- Inside nuclear power plants for routine inspections
- Inside boilers or pressure vessels in the oil and gas industry
- Inside mines to inspect excavations
- Inside burned-out buildings for safety assessments
- Inside sewer systems to identify damage
- Inside water parks to monitor infrastructure
The Three Types of Drone Cages
Currently, there are three main types of drone cages on the market:
- Add-on cages
- Decoupled cages
- Fixed cages
1. Add-On Drone Cages
Add-on cages are designed to be attached to commercial drones. While they improve safety, they are not always ideal for industrial inspections. They may reduce flight time, lack obstacle sensing, and don’t provide the same level of collision tolerance as specialized drones.
2. Decoupled Drone Cages
Flyability’s Elios 1 uses a decoupled design, allowing the drone to remain stable even after collisions. This makes it ideal for tight spaces and complex maneuvers.
3. Fixed Drone Cages
Fixed cages, like those on the Elios 2 and Elios 3, are built into the drone’s design. They offer superior stability, collision resistance, and advanced features like GPS-free stabilization and live HD streaming.
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