Drone Systems Laboratory

The Drone Systems Laboratory develop next generation technologies to address challenges in high-precision inspection of large-scale infrastructure, environmental monitoring, and sustainable agriculture.

Our research focuses on optimising computer vision, artificial intelligence, and remote sensing algorithms, and has produced internationally recognised contributions, including by the European Commission for “exceptional results with significant immediate impact.”

Since 2020, we have secured over £9 million in external funding from the Natural Environment Research Council, UKRI Strength in Places, and the European Commission. Our ten-member team is based at the University of the West of Scotland’s Lanarkshire campus, where we operate a suite of professional grade drones and advanced mapping and inspection equipment.

We hold Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority for Specific Category (high risk) flights and conduct regular field tests at sites across the UK and Europe.