Autonomous Drone Stations for Inspection and Monitoring webinar recap
On October 13, 2025, ESBAAR hosted an insightful webinar titled “Autonomous Drone Stations for Inspection and Monitoring.”
The session was led by Sara Al Mazidi, Head of New Solutions Development, and Mohamed Al Hinai, Senior R&D Engineer at ESBAAR. Together, they guided over 50 attendees through an in-depth exploration of how autonomous drone stations are transforming inspections, security, and surveillance through automation, AI integration, and advanced IoT connectivity.
The one-hour session provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the operational capabilities, benefits, and deployment flexibility of ESBAAR’s MESBAAR 1.0 and MESBAAR 2.0 drone systems. The event concluded with the issuance of Certificates of Attendance to all participants.
Key Highlights
Our experts highlighted significant points about the Autonomous Drone Stations such as:
1. Fully Autonomous Operations & Remote Control
The system eliminates the need for a pilot within the operational zone as the docking station handles housing, charging, and automation. Also, the users can remotely set scheduled flight plans, receive a real-time visual and data feed, and execute a manual take-over for remote control if needed.
2. Dual-Range System for Versatile Application
The system is categorized into two main autonomous station types based on range and endurance:
- Mesbaar 1.0: The Short-Range Autonomous Station for localized assets such as Live Flare Inspection, Storage Tank Inspection).
- Mesbaar 2.0: The Long-Range Autonomous Station is designed for linear assets, capable of covering up to 200km of pipelines per day with its 50km operational radius.
3. Integrated AI for Smarter Insights with ESBAAR Engine
The ESBAAR Engine uses machine learning to detect and identify anomalies from inspected assets, and the AI detection can trigger automated actions, such as recording a video when a specific threshold is exceeded.
4. Enhanced Safety and Efficiency Benefits
Eliminates the need for on-site personnel and reduces the risk associated with emergencies and provides a quicker response time, increases operational efficiency, and results in reduced overall costs.
5. Seamless IoT Integration with Whiskers
The Whiskers IoT system can be integrated so that a Whiskers node detects motion, triggers the autonomous station, and the drone mobilizes to follow the node and relay a live video feed for investigation.
6. Q&A Session
During the live discussion, participants raised several technical questions regarding system performance and safety. Key highlights included:
- Flight Time & Range: MESBAAR 1.0 offers 45 minutes of flight with a 2km operational range extendable to 10km, while MESBAAR 2.0 reaches 3 hours and 50km.
- Battery & Charging: MESBAAR 1.0 uses induction charging with a 27-minute turnaround, while MESBAAR 2.0 supports contact charging within 90 minutes.
- Data Security: AI models operate locally on the station's edge computing, ensuring sensitive data remains offline and secure through on-premises or air-gapped servers.
- Maintenance: Minimal monthly maintenance is required, primarily filter cleaning and drone structural checks.
- Safety & Power: The systems support UPS backup for four hours of continued operation and can be connected to solar panels for sustainable power.
- Fire & Hazard Safety: Equipped with advanced battery management and reinforced casings to prevent overheating and impact-related risks.
- Operational Limits: Drones are designed to operate safely at wind speeds up to 12 m/s and avoid zones with hazardous gas concentrations through defined perimeter routes.
Watch the Recap Video
You can watch the full webinar recap on YouTube and explore how ESBAAR’s autonomous drone stations are redefining asset inspection and security operations.
