What Does a Drone Cage Do? Use Cases, Types & Indoor Inspections
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 spinning propellers and also shield the drone itself from damage during collisions. This makes them essential in environments where human and drone interaction is likely.
A well-designed drone cage doesn’t just prevent damage—it can actually allow the drone to survive a collision and continue flying. This is especially important in tight or unpredictable spaces where crashes are common.
However, not all drone cages are created equal. Some are designed as add-ons for commercial drones, while others are custom-built for drones that operate in confined or cluttered areas. Understanding the differences between these options can help you choose the right solution for your needs.
In this article, we’ll explore the various scenarios where drone cages are used, the three main types available, and the most popular applications for these protective enclosures.
Understanding Drone Cages: Attachments vs. Enclosures
Before diving deeper, it's important to clarify that the term “drone cage†can refer to two distinct concepts. One type is a portable enclosure used at events like trade shows or drone races to protect spectators. These are typically made of mesh or netting, like this example:
On the other hand, 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 Origins of Drone Cages
Drone cages have opened up new possibilities for using drones in indoor and hazardous environments. But how did this concept come about?
It started after the 2011 tsunami in Japan, which damaged the Fukushima nuclear plant. At the time, there was an urgent need to assess the situation without risking human lives. Traditional ground robots struggled, but the idea of using a flying robot sparked innovation.
This led to the creation of the Elios 1, Elios 2, and Elios 3—drones specifically designed with built-in cages to withstand collisions. These were developed by Flyability’s co-founders, Patrick Thévoz and Adrien Briod, who saw the potential for drones to safely navigate dangerous spaces.
The Elios 2 drone cage in action
Why Use a Drone in Confined Spaces?
The primary reason to use a drone in confined spaces is safety. Instead of sending humans into dangerous areas, drones can collect visual data without risk.
For example, at Fukushima, a drone could have provided critical information without exposing workers to radiation. Similarly, in industries like mining, construction, and emergency response, drones equipped with cages offer a safer alternative to manual inspections.
Using drones can also save companies significant costs. For instance, avoiding scaffolding or temporary structures during inspections can reduce both time and money spent on setup and removal.
Where Are Drone Cages Used?
Drone cages are useful wherever collisions are likely and human presence is needed. They protect both people and the drone, making them ideal for environments like industrial facilities, mines, and disaster zones.
Some common applications include:
- Inside nuclear power plants for routine inspections.
- Inside boilers and pressure vessels in the oil and gas industry.
- Inside mines to inspect excavations and stopes.
- Inside burned-out buildings for fire investigations or situational awareness.
- Inside sewer systems to identify pipe damage.
- Inside water parks to monitor infrastructure and maintenance.
As drone technology advances, so do the ways we use them. The next section will break down the three main types of drone cages currently available.
The Three Types of Drone Cages
There are three main categories of drone cages on the market today:
- Add-on cages designed for commercial drones.
- Decoupled cages built specifically for certain models, like the Elios 1.
- Fixed cages integrated into the drone’s design, such as the Elios 2 and Elios 3.
Each has its own advantages and limitations, depending on the intended use case.
1. Add-On Drone Cages
Add-on cages are convenient for users looking to enhance the safety of their existing drones. These cages attach directly to the drone and are often tailored to specific models. However, they may not be ideal for industrial applications due to several limitations.
Examples include the DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise cage and the PGYTECH Tello cage. While they improve safety, they often lack features like collision tolerance, obstacle sensing, and inspection-specific tools.
Considerations with add-on cages include:
- Not always collision-tolerant.
- Lack of specialized inspection features.
- Reduced flight time due to added weight.
- Obstacle sensing technology may need to be disabled.
2. Decoupled Drone Cages
Flyability’s Elios 1 uses a decoupled cage design, where the cage is separate from the drone’s frame. This allows the drone to remain stable even after a collision, thanks to a gimbal-like mechanism.
This design is particularly effective in tight spaces and has been tested in various real-world scenarios. It also supports modular repairs, making maintenance easier.
While the cage may appear in images, it often doesn't interfere with the quality of the data collected.
3. Fixed Drone Cages
Flyability’s Elios 2 and Elios 3 feature fixed cages that are part of the drone’s original design. Unlike add-on or decoupled cages, these are engineered to withstand repeated collisions.
These drones are equipped with advanced flight algorithms and motor controllers that help maintain stability even during impacts. They can handle collisions at speeds up to 3 meters per second without sustaining damage.
Key features of the Elios 3 include GPS-free stabilization, distance lock, full HD live streaming, oblique lighting, and a LiDAR sensor for real-time 3D mapping.
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