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Drone Inspections Revolutionize Infrastructure Maintenance

  //science-technology.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ns-revolutionize-infrastructure-maintenance.html
  Published in Science and Technology on Thursday, January 22nd 2026 at 18:30 GMT by The Baltimore Sun
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Baltimore, MD - January 22, 2026 - The future of infrastructure maintenance is here, and it's flying. Baltimore-based engineer Samuel Graham is spearheading a significant shift in how we assess and protect vital structures across the region and beyond, thanks to his company, SkySight Solutions, and its innovative drone-based inspection system. What was once a dangerous, costly, and reactive process is being transformed into a proactive, efficient, and safer approach.

For decades, inspecting bridges, dams, wind turbines, power lines, and other critical infrastructure has presented significant challenges. Traditional methods often involve precarious climbs, specialized equipment requiring extensive setup, and the constant risk of injury to human inspectors. These inspections are also resource-intensive, translating to hefty price tags for local and federal governments. Samuel Graham recognized this inefficiency and inherent risk and sought to develop a solution that would address both.

SkySight Solutions' system centers around custom-engineered drones, far exceeding the capabilities of off-the-shelf models. These aren't simply equipped with cameras; they're sophisticated airborne platforms featuring high-resolution cameras capable of capturing minute details, thermal sensors to detect temperature anomalies indicative of structural weaknesses, and laser scanners to create highly accurate 3D models of the inspected structures. Critically, these drones operate with a degree of autonomy, programmed to systematically survey assigned areas and collect data. The real innovation, however, lies in the proprietary AI algorithms developed by Graham and his team.

"Our system isn't just about collecting data; it's about transforming that data into actionable insights," explains Graham. The AI analyzes the collected imagery, thermal readings, and 3D scans, identifying subtle cracks, corrosion, unusual heat signatures, and other potential problems that might be missed by human observers. This allows for the prediction of failures before they occur, moving infrastructure maintenance from a reactive model to a proactive one. This shift has the potential to dramatically reduce the risk of catastrophic failures and extend the lifespan of critical assets.

The impact is already being felt locally. Several Maryland counties have already embraced the technology, signing contracts with SkySight Solutions to implement routine inspections of their infrastructure. The cost savings are substantial. Inspections that previously demanded tens of thousands of dollars are now completed for a significantly reduced price, freeing up valuable resources for other vital public services. Furthermore, the increased efficiency allows for more frequent inspections, providing a more comprehensive and continuous monitoring program.

Beyond the economic benefits, the safety improvements are a primary driver of adoption. "We're removing human inspectors from situations where a single misstep could have serious consequences," Graham emphasizes. This reduction in risk not only protects the inspectors themselves but also minimizes disruption to the public during the inspection process.

SkySight Solutions' ambitions extend beyond Maryland. The company is actively expanding its services into Pennsylvania and Delaware, with plans for further regional growth. Recognizing the nationwide implications of their technology, Graham is also actively pursuing partnerships with federal agencies to explore the possibility of deploying the drone-based inspection system across the United States. These discussions focus on integrating SkySight's system into national infrastructure management protocols, potentially revolutionizing how the federal government maintains its vast network of bridges, dams, and other critical assets.

The company's recent securing of a significant round of venture capital funding is a testament to the potential of their technology and will fuel further development and expansion. This investment will be directed towards refining the AI algorithms, expanding the drone fleet, and increasing the company's geographic reach. The future of infrastructure inspection is clear: it's in the sky, and Samuel Graham is leading the charge.