MassDOT Aeronautics Flies Drones for Tunnel Inspection

The MassDOT Aeronautics Drone Team recently supported the MBTA using drones to collect video imagery of subway tunnels, helping structural engineers assess overall safety. These flights occurred on Sunday, March 27, 2022, in the Orange and Green Line tunnels to inspect for damage to the structures. The video imagery assisted engineers in assessing tunnel conditions before sending in personnel, helping to ensure they would have safe passage through the tunnels.  Once the drones were airborne, structural engineers were able to evaluate the tunnels through the video feed in real time and were then able to download video immediately after the flights for further analysis. These combined efforts ensured service was restored as quickly and safely as possible.  

Drones, or UAS (uncrewed aerial systems), have the ability to improve safety, reduce task times and reduce costs. In addition to assisting in emergency or safety situations, MassDOT Aeronautics utilizes drones for a variety of transportation use cases including asset management, inspection, and construction monitoring. Drones have the ability to provide additional situational awareness, perspective, and mobility in an emergency situation. This birds-eye view can assist emergency crews in resource allocation and personnel safety. Additional benefits include the ability to live-stream to a number of devices, making sharing information easier than ever. Drones may also carry different cameras or sensors, including high-resolution electro-optical cameras and infrared cameras. 

The benefits of drones in this particular case are evident, however, flying in this type of environment can be difficult due to the absence of GPS guidance, which assists in sUAS navigation. This can be overcome by utilizing lidar SLAM technology which works to keep the drone clear of obstacles. With any confined space, such as a tunnel environment, lighting is also a factor. For this particular use case, MassDOT Aeronautics elected to manually fly the drone, with a light mounted to the drone, keeping it clear of tunnel walls and ceilings.  MassDOT Aeronautics Drone Pilots are FAA certified and undergo significant training provided by MassDOT to prepare them for such environments. This rigorous training and devotion ensure that they are ready to assist in an emergency or at any time safety to personnel is in question.