Drones instead of security guards: YADOS relies on high-tech

Business has been booming for YADOS in recent years—so much so that the manufacturer of district heating stations and combined heat and power plants not only plans to increase its staff significantly, but also doubled its production space last year. However, this expansion also increased security requirements, as YADOS, like all manufacturing companies, must protect itself against risks such as material theft. The previous security service could no longer reliably cover the entire company premises, which now spans almost 150,000 square meters, including 24,000 for production.

Since the costs of security services are high, and qualified staff are hard to find, YADOS opted for a digital solution based on fully automated drone surveillance and intelligent sensors. Together with its long-standing service provider Deutsche Telekom, the manufacturer developed a new, comprehensive security concept: Outside of operating hours, networked sensors and camera traps monitor the outdoor area.

In case of suspicious activity, a gateway sends a message via Telekom’s mobile network to an AI cloud platform from the drone manufacturer. This “Flight Automation Center” enables highly automated drone operation without the need for a pilot. When an alarm is triggered, the AI software analyzes sensor and camera data and, if necessary, activates a surveillance drone stationed on YADOS’s premises. 

The drone automatically launches from its base station and flies directly to the incident location. Its flight noise and lights can already deter potential intruders. Additionally, it transmits live images in real time via mobile network to a 24/7 control center. Security experts analyze the situation and, if necessary, trigger the alert chain. Police, regional security services, and YADOS itself can be notified. The drone, equipped with a thermal imaging camera, also performs automated patrol flights at irregular intervals over the premises, providing additional protection.

Telekom not only provides mobile connectivity but also delivers the complete system through its partners—from concept to operation. “For us, this means we have a central contact for all matters concerning our new security concept,” says YADOS’s authorized officer Olaf Besser. “And thanks to the rental model, we remain flexible and also have the assurance of always being technologically up to date.” Telekom’s mobile network ensures reliable, GDPR-compliant, and fast transmission of video data from the drone to the control center.

The new system brings decisive advantages for YADOS. “The costs for securing our company premises are significantly lower than with classic security guards or all-round video surveillance,” says Besser. Staff requirements are eliminated, and the technology is ready for use around the clock. Surveillance is also more comprehensive and reliable: The entire premises are permanently and seamlessly monitored, alarm messages are checked immediately, and response times are much shorter.