In the rapidly evolving world of unmanned aviation, where reliable 24/7 communications are essential, Dimetor has made itself an industry leader at the intersection of telecommunications and aerospace. The Austrian company is well-known for the AirborneRF platform, which provides operators with the cellular connectivity data critical to unlocking the full potential of the drone market—a sector poised for tremendous growth as regulations catch up with technology.
The Austrian startup recently made an appearance on the Trending Topics podcast, in which founders Thomas Neubauer and Thomas Wana shared insights from their fascinating journey, celebrated their recent EY Scale Up Award, and discussed the transformative potential of their technology for unmanned aviation.
Where telecom and aviation converge
Founded in Vienna in 2017, Dimetor stands out in the UAS landscape with its revolutionary connectivity data platform, AirborneRF. AirborneRF enables safe BVLOS drone services by computing the 3D radio space for safe drone operation based on cellular network coverage and air safety regulations. This unique solution facilitates seamless communication and data exchange between mobile network operators and aviation professionals.
“We see ourselves as the backbone between the telecommunications and aviation industries,” explains Thomas Neubauer. “Our software processes and prepares data from telecom and satellite operators, making it accessible for aviation purposes.”
Unlocking the potential of unmanned aviation
Dimetor’s AirborneRF platform addresses the critical need for reliable communications in unmanned aviation, particularly for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, where drones operate without direct visual contact from a pilot. This capability is key to expanding the commercial and industrial use of drones across various sectors.
Thomas elaborates, “Using an AI-powered interface, we generate real-time connectivity data and other vital information from telecom companies, ensuring safe and efficient drone operations.”
Critical data solutions for drone operations
Dimetor’s innovative platform provides several classes of data essential for drone operations:
- Real-time Connectivity Maps: These maps from different mobile network operators model spatial corridors in which drones can maintain a strong data connection, crucial for BVLOS flights.
- Ground Risk Data: By utilising anonymised tracking data, Dimetor provides drone operators with a real-time map of population density, ensuring drones avoid crowded areas and enhancing safety.
- Location Services: Drones normally report their GPS positions, but by cross-referencing this against mobile network data Airborne RF enhances the precision of this information, giving a more accurate model of an unmanned vehicle’s current location in real-time.
Diverse applications and future prospects
Dimetor’s technology has vast potential across multiple industries. The company has identified five primary areas where its platform can drive significant advancements:
- First Responders: Drones equipped with Dimetor’s technology can rapidly relay critical information to emergency services, improving response times and saving lives.
- Delivery Services: From parcels to medical supplies, drones can efficiently transport goods, reducing delivery times and costs.
- Infrastructure Inspection: Automated drone inspections of power grids, railways, and pipelines can replace costly and resource-intensive methods, offering significant advantages.
- Urban Air Mobility: The rise of drone taxis and advanced air mobility solutions, expected to be operational by 2026, relies heavily on widespread access to the data provided by AirborneRF’s infrastructure.
- Government Applications: Border protection and coast guard operations benefit from drones providing real-time data, enhancing surveillance and security.
A global leader in data integration
Dimetor’s role as a bridge between telecommunications and aviation industries is underscored by its collaboration with major players like Vodafone, British Telecom, Verizon, KPN, and Swisscom Sunrise. These partnerships highlight the massive growth in demand for accurate cellular connectivity data within the drone ecosystem, and reaffirms the company’s pivotal role in advancing the integration of unmanned aircraft and mobile communication technologies.
“Our business model involves providing the essential digital infrastructure for these applications,” says Thomas Wana. “We supply the shovels and tents for the gold digging that comes with drone applications.”
EY Scale Up award
Dimetor recently attended the Ernst & Young Scale Up Award, receiving Scaleup Of The Year 2024 in the Spacetech and Aviation category. Thomas Neubauer states: “We are very pleased because we are trying to implement a sustainable business model and have shown over the last four years that we are roughly doubling every year.” Based upon the rigorous evaluation of figures, business models and outcomes, the EY Scale Up is one of the most highly regarded awards within the startup sector.
A visionary path ahead
As Dimetor continues to expand its global footprint, the company maintains a steadfast commitment to innovation and excellence. With a focus on standardising interfaces between telecommunications and aviation, Dimetor aims to establish a global standard for data exchange protocols.
“We are the technological leaders in this space, driving the development of standards and securing our position with patents,” Thomas notes. “Our goal is to be the de facto global standard for data interfaces between telecommunications and aviation systems.”
Conclusion
Dimetor’s journey from a startup in Vienna to a global leader in unmanned aviation underscores the transformative impact of innovative thinking and technological expertise. By bridging the gap between telecommunications and aviation, the company has created a platform that not only meets the current demands of the drone industry but also anticipates its future needs. Their recent recognition at the EY Scale Up Award further validates Dimetor’s sustainable growth and pioneering efforts in the spacetech and aviation sectors.
With a clear vision and a robust platform, Dimetor is set to play a crucial role in the future of aerial IoT and drone technology, transforming the possibilities of BVLOS drone operations and enhancing global connectivity.
To find out more about the unique capabilities of Dimetor’s AirborneRF platform and how it can transform your UAS operations, visit our website.