Near Space Labs, a leader in advanced Earth observation solutions, has deployed its Swift robot network. These stratospheric robots are designed to deliver ultra-high-resolution aerial imagery, reaching 7 cm , a level of detail unprecedented in the industry.
This network of autonomous robots covers vast areas, capturing up to 1,000 km² per flight, and is positioned to change the way insurance, urban planning and government agencies manage risk and disaster information.
How stratospheric robots can help insurers?
The breakthrough comes at a critical time for the U.S. insurance industry, which is facing unprecedented challenges due to climate change. In 2023, U.S. insurers suffered billions in losses due to increasingly frequent and destructive weather events . Hurricanes, tornadoes and wildfires have increased uncertainty, forcing many insurers to pull out of high-risk markets such as Florida, Texas and California.
Near Space’s solution is presented as a response to this crisis, providing detailed aerial imagery updated on a quarterly basis. This frequency of updates allows insurers to accurately assess weather risks and adjust policies based on the most up-to-date information, which could help mitigate market abandonment and improve coverage for properties in high-risk areas.
Near Space Labs offers zero emissions and high precision
What sets Near Space apart from other solutions on the market is its zero-emission technology. Swift robots operate at altitudes of between 18,000 and 26,000 metres , using a combination of stratospheric balloons and low-impact autonomous systems. This offers an economical and efficient alternative to traditional aerial data collection methods, which often involve high costs and considerable environmental impact.
Unlike conventional aerial data collection methods, which have been in use since the 1950s, Near Space Labs offers a much more advanced and environmentally friendly option. This technology facilitates the collection of data with great precision and represents a significant step forward towards a more sustainable future in Earth observation .
Innovation in aerial observation and geospatial data
As well as benefiting the insurance industry, the stratospheric robot network has a potential impact on other sectors such as urban planning and infrastructure management. High-resolution images allow city planners and local authorities to closely monitor the condition of properties and land , facilitating the planning of new infrastructure and the updating of essential geospatial data.
In short, Near Space Labs is changing the landscape of aerial monitoring with its network of Swift robots and opening up new possibilities for how climate risks are managed, how damage is assessed, and how cities of the future are planned.
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Source: Near Space Labs via BusinessWire