During several intensive test days at Skellefteå Droneport, Monava AB and UASolutions AB collaborated to validate and further develop their technical solutions, while also benefiting from each other’s expertise.
“What’s great about collaborating with other companies is that the results always turn out better than if you work alone,” says Alexander Hebbe, CEO and co-founder of Monava AB.
Aero EDIH Support
Thanks to the field test package provided to Skellefteå Droneport through the Aero EDIH project, companies are given the opportunity to fully test their products and services over a few days, with access to test areas, infrastructure and expert support.
Aero EDIH representative Per Bröms, Senior Researcher at RISE and Project Manager for the field test package at Skellefteå Droneport, brought along four drones of various sizes to assist with the tests. He explains:
“An important part of our work within RISE and Aero EDIH is to build networks between Swedish drone companies. By meeting, testing, and sharing knowledge, companies learn from each other and discover the resources available across the country.”
From Surveillance Technology to Funeral Services
Monava AB carried out data collection of sounds from different types of drones – an important basis for training the company’s AI-based surveillance system. The aim is to locate and visualise sound sources and identify what is causing the noise – for example, drones operating in restricted areas.
“We focus on developing surveillance technology that can contribute to safer airspace. To succeed, we need large amounts of sound data from different environments,” explains Alexander Hebbe.
UASolutions has developed a funeral service, where their custom-built drone was tested in both daylight and night flights for the scattering of cremation ashes.
“I wanted to upgrade my system and perform simulated dispersals using gravel instead of ashes,” says Andreas Gising, founder of UASolutions.
The Right Environment for Testing and Development
Monava AB and UASolutions AB are the first companies to have used Skellefteå Droneport to develop and test their drone technologies in a real-world environment. In addition to open areas and undeveloped industrial land nearby, the site also offers office space and a heated hangar, enabling both indoor and outdoor flight. This creates a complete environment for building, integrating, testing and then immediately conducting flight trials.
“What really stands out to me is Skellefteå Droneport’s truly innovative approach. They’re expanding the possibilities for drone development in Sweden and are far ahead in creating the right conditions for future technologies,” says Alexander Hebbe.
“It’s incredibly valuable to have companies on site testing their technologies in real conditions. It gives us concrete feedback on how we can further develop both the physical environment and the operations so that they more effectively meet companies’ needs,” says Annelie Viksten, Business Developer at Arctic Aviation Hub.
Skellefteå Droneport is an initiative within the Arctic Aviation Hub, led by Skellefteå Science City in close collaboration with Skellefteå Airport and supported by Skellefteå Municipality, Skellefteå Kraft, and Skellefteå Airport. The film and photographic material were produced by Skellefteå Science City.
