This project brings together three innovative UK companies - Idroneinnovations, Leading Edge Power, and SlinkTech to create a new generation of automated drone systems designed to make critical infrastructure inspection, emergency response, and public safety operations safer, faster, and more cost-effective. The project will develop and demonstrate a modular, flexible drone platform that can work with different types of drones and equipment, making it easier for organisations like emergency services and infrastructure operators to use drones as part of their everyday operations. By focusing on open standards and interoperability, the system will allow multiple drones from different suppliers to be managed and operated together, a significant step forward from current single-vendor solutions. Leading Edge Power will design and build robust docking station shrouds and off-grid power systems, ensuring drones can be deployed reliably in all kinds of environments, from city centres to remote locations. SlinkTech will develop advanced safety solutions for drone landing zones and oversee the project's delivery, ensuring that all operations meet the highest standards for safety and compliance. Evolve Dynamics will provide the latest drone technology for trials and help integrate these drones into the new system. The project will include real-world trials with UK emergency services and infrastructure operators, gathering valuable data to help shape future regulations and ensure the system meets the needs of its users. All findings and best practices will be shared with the Civil Aviation Authority and the wider industry to support the safe and responsible growth of the UK drone sector. By making drone operations more accessible, reliable, and safe, this project will help unlock the benefits of drones for society, reducing costs, saving time, improving safety, and supporting the UK's goals for innovation and carbon reduction. The work will also support new jobs and skills development in advanced manufacturing, software, and drone operations across the country. This project aims to set a new standard for drone automation in the UK, demonstrating how collaboration, innovation, and a focus on real-world needs can drive the future of flight.

Construction has not seen productivity improvements common to other industrial sectors. The sector is responding to this, aiming to optimise the productivity of the end-to-end process via digitalisation, automation and off-site manufacturing. On-site construction presents a unique, challenging environment but opportunities for digitalisation and automation occur from day one. High-speed, low latency digital connectivity is key to ensure that these digital solutions can be fully and effectively deployed. 5G networks have the potential to enable this connectivity. However, construction projects are often delivered in geographically 'remote' locations or in urban contexts where connectivity (digital, power and other utilities) are not in place at the start of on-site work. The location of activity can also move as project work progresses (e.g. linear infrastructure; roads, rail, sea defences). The need for continuous, high quality data connectivity in these situations presents a major challenge for construction contractors. '5G-CONQuEST' addresses this challenge, providing an innovative plug-and-play solution that can be readily tailored to the needs of a specific site, delivering full 5G coverage from the outset with 'green' power generated in-situ. Once activity is complete it can be easily removed and installed at another location. It will be robust enough for use in the often-harsh environment of on-site construction. The project will be led by UK SME Glideology (system integrator), supported by SMEs Attocore (5G core) and Leading Edge (off-grid energy), with leading construction contractor BAM and the Building Research Establishment (BRE). 5G-CONQuEST will accelerate the development and uptake of an 'ecosystem' of digital solutions aimed at construction (e.g. autonomous surveying, remote visualisation and teleoperations solutions) that improve both productivity and on-site safety. It will support UK 5G component supply chains.

While at sea, sailing boats require auxiliary power for a range of on-board equipment. Power requirements are in the region of 500W. Currently, rechargeable batteries are used to power such equipment. However, batteries will provide sufficient energy for no more than a day at best. An in-board diesel engine is usually available to generate electrical power and recharge battery banks. However, running the engine without engaging the propeller drive shaft while sailing, is known to be detrimental to the condition of the engine and noisy for the passengers on board. Specialist stand-alone diesel generators have become popular for boat owners seeking to address the increasing demand for more power on their vessels. Specialist diesel generators have many drawbacks: costly; unreliable in rolling seas; require regular maintenance; noisy; produce harmful environmental emissions; and have high running costs - especially since the removal of an EU tax exemption on fuel. A range of alternative power solutions also exist, but these are ineffective. Micro-wind turbines become redundant when sailing due to down wind conditions, while solar panels are inoperable during periods of darkness and require large amounts of boat deck surface area. Hydro-generator technology is a promising emerging area for the given application, but the leading products in this sector currently lack the power output needed at typical cruising yacht speeds. They are also prone to reliability issues and are considerably costly (£3500). This project proposes the development of a novel hydro “Power Pod” capable of generating the required 500W at cruising knots (6kt) and with a retail price of £1500. Higher power output will be achieved through a specially developed generator and superior reliability will be realised using a novel water isolated motor design.