6 Ways Indoor Drones Are Helping Companies Realize Significant Savings in Inspections
June 30 08:02:21, 2025
When discussing the main benefits of using drones for inspections, saving money is always at the top of the list. But do these savings apply to all industries, or only a few? And how exactly are drones helping companies cut inspection costs?
The answer is that the cost savings from using drones for inspections can be realized in almost any industry where regular inspections are required. Whether it's an indoor inspection of a boiler or pressure vessel, or an outdoor assessment of power lines or cell towers, drones offer a faster and more efficient way to collect visual data compared to manual methods. This increased speed and ease significantly reduce overall inspection costs, regardless of the environment.
So, how exactly do drones help companies save money? Let’s explore the key ways:
**1. Reduced Need for Scaffolding**
One of the biggest cost-saving advantages of using drones is the reduced need for scaffolding. In many cases, companies can save tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars by eliminating the need for temporary structures that are built solely for inspection access.
Scaffolding comes with three major costs: materials, labor for setup and removal, and extended downtime for the asset during installation. Drones eliminate the need for this temporary structure entirely, allowing inspectors to collect high-quality data remotely. Even when scaffolding is still needed, drones can help identify the exact areas that require attention, reducing both time and material costs.
*Case Study: Oil & Gas – $2 Million Saved*
An oil tanker manager saved over $2 million by using the Elios 2 drone to inspect a cargo tank instead of relying on traditional methods. The savings came from both reduced materials and labor, as well as a significant reduction in downtime.
**2. Reduced Downtimes**
Drones also help reduce asset downtime, which can be one of the most expensive aspects of an inspection. Traditional methods often require lengthy setup times for scaffolding or other access equipment, which can halt operations for days. Drones, on the other hand, can quickly gather data without interrupting normal operations.
In one example, an oil company saved $1.6 million by avoiding the 8 days of downtime typically required for scaffolding setup and removal.
**3. Reduced Work Hours**
Using drones significantly reduces the number of hours required for an inspection. Workers no longer need to spend time building and dismantling scaffolding, and the drone itself can collect data much faster than a human inspector. This leads to lower labor costs and improved efficiency.
*Case Study: Power Generation – 470 Hours Saved*
A power plant used the Elios 2 drone to inspect a scrubber, cutting the inspection time from 280 hours to just 10. That’s a 98% reduction in work hours.
**4. Reduced Insurance Costs**
By minimizing the need for workers to enter confined spaces, climb scaffolding, or use rope access systems, drones reduce the risk of injury. Lower risk means lower insurance premiums, offering another layer of financial benefit.
**5. Reduced Need for Safety Equipment**
Many inspections require workers to wear heavy safety gear. Drones eliminate the need for manual data collection, reducing the reliance on such equipment and further lowering costs.
**6. Increased Inspection Frequency**
Because drones make inspections more affordable, companies can conduct them more frequently. This allows for early detection of issues, preventing costly repairs down the line. It also helps extend the lifespan of assets and can even have environmental benefits.
*A study found that increasing inspection frequency with drones could reduce CO2 emissions by up to 649 metric tons per year.*
If you're looking to explore how drones can transform your inspection process, consider downloading our guide to learn more about the real-world impact of commercial drones in industrial settings.