VTT provides a wide range of services and solutions to support drone (UAV) and drone system (UAS) development. We have deep knowledge from most modern essential drone components, such as batteries, materials, airspace and fleet management, and sensors. Several next-generation autonomous drone use cases are piloted in our projects. In airspace management, we contribute to UTM, U-Space and fleet management solutions. We also conduct cutting-edge connectivity and cyber security research and development.
Key facts
Drones are flexible and low-emission tools for various applications to increase efficiency
Autonomy, airspace management and fleet management solutions for drones are developing rapidly
Current drone radio equipment will be replaced with mobile connectivity radios
Rapid development in drone technologies
Drones are an excellent tool to increase efficiency in various applications. UAVs are also part of next generation aviation, which is currently undergoing rapid developments in several areas. Examples of these areas are digitalisation, autonomy and low-emission propulsion technologies.
In the future, the current control and data transmission radios will be replaced with mobile connectivity radios, such as 5G. Flight and airspace management systems (UTM, U-Space) will be further developed and these systems will enable the safe integration of traditional and unmanned aviation. Fleet management solutions will provide tools for a single control centre to operate several drones at the same time remotely. Battery technologies will develop fast, and the latest innovations transferred from electric cars to drones will extend flight times.
The level of autonomy in drones increases rapidly and provides better ways for implementing new smart aerial services with lower labour demand and costs. Drone swarms can be effectively used to survey wide areas and, for example, to find a lost person in the wilderness.
Drones are useful tools in many areas
Low-emission drones can be used to replace various services of today. VTT has a long history of using drones in RDI projects for measurements and remote monitoring. New drone use cases are currently being developed in areas such as smart inspections, area surveillance and logistics, where it could enable the delivery of small items directly to customers.
The motivation to use drones in these areas is typically to lower emissions, faster delivery, improved security or more efficient data collection. Large drones, eVTOL (electric vertical take-off and landing) aircraft and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles can even carry persons or large logistical items onboard.
In the future, even a traditional ambulance helicopter could be replaced with a battery operated eVTOL. In hazardous environments, drones can also be a useful tool to monitor environmental conditions.
Drones (UAVs) are low-emission tools to create efficiency through autonomous aerial services. Smart inspections, logistics, area surveillance and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) will have several new use cases for drones.
VTT has a lot to offer for drone projects
VTT has conducted R&D and coordinated several international multi-partner drone technology projects. We have deep knowledge of what drones are now and how drone systems will be developing in the future.
VTT also has several experimental and simulation environments. An example of these facilities is the VTT Icing Wind Tunnel, an environmental chamber where different weather conditions can be produced. We have a special interest to tailor drone solutions so that they can be operated in our arctic climate here in Finland.
Areas where we can help you
There are several RDI sub-areas in which we can contribute to drone solutions:
- Robotics
- Autonomy and swarming
- Hydrogen and fuel cells
- Sensors and radars
- Connectivity and cybersecurity
- Situational awareness solutions
- Human-machine interfaces
- Safety and reliability engineering
This expertise can be flexibly used for different kinds of drone-related projects.
How to work with us
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Idea
Together, we define the need, vision and goals of the project. Where can drones help solve your challenges? -
Screening
We evaluate and present potential solution pathways for the challenges. Which are the preliminary pathways through the obstacles? -
Conceptual Study
We compare optional Concepts of Operations (ConOps) in small scale and provide a rough financial analysis. What is the most prominent pathway? -
Proof of Concept
We carry out flight operations and/or other proof-of-concept operations in either simulated or real-world settings showing the validity of the solution. -
Handover
We provide you with the final report and consult on how to proceed. Handing over the developed solution with suitable support.
VTT is highly connected with Finnish and international key partners
VTT is a key partner in several initiatives that advance drone technologies and business. Examples of these are:
- SESAR 3 Joint Undertaking
- International Forum for Aviation Research (IFAR)
- FUAVE (Finnish UAV Ecosystem)
- LIFT Future Aerospace Center
VTT also has a large network of industrial partners who can be invited to take part in projects. We actively cooperate with all the Finnish and international key organisations in the area of drones.
