This year, Exabotix will launch serial production of its VTOL-capable DRONEPORT system, which offers a more efficient way to monitor infrastructure and perform more frequent inspections at lower costs. 

Founded in 2015, Exabotix initially specialized in custom drone solutions for industrial applications, including surveying, public safety, and research. Since 2019, Exabotix has been developing fully autonomous drones and drone-in-a-box systems. Early pilot projects, including gas pipeline inspections, laid the groundwork for excessive field testing and implementation of regulatory requirements. In 2025, Exabotix will launch serial production of its VTOL-capable DRONEPORT system, currently employing a dedicated team of 15 employees. 

DRONEPORT system specifications 
The DRONEPORT is a fully autonomous drone-in-a-box system for pipelines, solar farms, power lines, railway tracks, and inspection of other critical infrastructure. In addition to monitoring, the system also enables efficient perimeter security and site surveillance. A comprehensive service package, including implementation, BVLOS flight operation and maintenance, ensures seamless integration and flight safety. Thanks to its pre-flight control system, the drone operates fully autonomously without requiring a pilot on-site, in full compliance with EU drone regulations.  

Specs include: 

  • Air-conditioned and thermally insulated housing  
  • Automatic opening and closing 
  • Automatic charging of the flight battery 
  • Dimensions: 1500mm x 1500mm x 1500mm  
  • Weight: 350 kg  
  • Power supply: 230V / 16A  
  • Integrated preflight control system  
  • Connectivity: 5G/LTE/LAN integration  
  • Networking with other hangars is possible  
  • Optional self-sufficient package including solar panels and battery 

 
DRONEPORT benefits for critical infrastructure inspections 
The DRONEPORT offers a more efficient way to monitor infrastructure, allowing for more frequent inspections at lower costs. Compared to traditional helicopter-based inspections in critical infrastructure, the system is significantly more sustainable, reducing emissions and noise pollution. In addition to infrastructure monitoring, the system can be integrated in perimeter security, offering a mobile surveillance solution that can be dispatched automatically in response to alarms. This reduces the workload on security personnel while making surveillance responsive to potential threats.

With Exabotix’s project partner in pipeline inspection, the company has significantly reduced the need for manned aerial flights while increasing the frequency of image capture. This improves supply security by enabling more frequent and precise monitoring of the pipeline and industry premises. The next step will be implementing of a network of PORTs along the pipeline to cover more distance with the VTOL. 

Challenges in drone-in-a-box technology adoption 
Regulatory hurdles have long been a challenge in the adoption of drone-in-a-box technology. With full BVLOS approval for recurring scenarios in the EU, Exabotix is now focused on finding early adopters who recognize the potential and benefits of autonomous drone operations. Real-world deployments help gather valuable experience and refine applications further. 

Further expansion in Europe 

The company is considering expanding to the European market sooner than expected and has an eye on international drone fairs (like DroneX) after noticing a huge interest in the system at XPONENTIAL Europe. Exabotix is currently working on further DRONE

PORT implementations within Europe later this year. Currently, the company is busy getting the serial production up and running and keeping local pilot projects going.