Industrial Drones · Inspection in Low-Light Environments
Insufficient light is a common challenge when inspecting the interiors of large storage tanks, ship compartments, boilers and other industrial facilities.
These spaces generally lack natural light, and some contain complex structures and numerous obstacles. Even inspectors entering with lighting equipment may find their viewing angles restricted, making it difficult to assess conditions throughout the interior.
For industrial drones, entering a confined space is only the first step. Capturing clear, reliable inspection imagery in darkness is equally important.
The Scout 137 Gen3 tethered industrial drone system from Norway's ScoutDI supports visual inspection in low-light industrial environments through its 4K optical zoom camera, high-intensity lighting and adjustable gimbal.
How does it see clearly in spaces with almost no natural light?
01 A 4K Camera for Clearer Detail
In industrial inspections, imagery is not just a means of viewing the surroundings: it also provides evidence for assessing equipment condition and conducting subsequent analysis.
Scout 137 Gen3 carries a 4K camera with 3.5× optical zoom and autofocus, capturing high-resolution images and video.
4K · Camera resolution
3.5× · Optical zoom
Compared with relying solely on unaided observation from a distance, optical zoom allows operators to examine areas of interest from an appropriate distance, reducing the need to reposition the drone frequently to view details.
For example, when inspecting tank walls, ship compartment structures or industrial equipment surfaces, operators can use high-definition imagery to make initial observations and records of signs of corrosion, coating damage and other visible surface abnormalities, providing a reference for further inspection or maintenance.
The 4K camera and sensing module at the front of the drone.
02 High-Intensity Lighting for Dark Spaces
In industrial spaces without natural light, a high-definition camera alone is not enough. Lighting capability directly affects the quality of image capture.
Scout 137 Gen3 has six LED lighting panels with a combined luminous flux of more than 12,000 lumens, supporting multiple lighting modes.
12,000+ · Total luminous flux in lumens
6 · LED lighting panels
High-intensity lighting provides the illumination needed for camera operation in low-light conditions, making it easier for operators to observe internal structures and surface conditions.
In tanks, compartments and boilers, the lighting system works with the high-definition camera to improve internal visual inspections.
Side-mounted LED lighting modules and heat-dissipation structure.
03 An Adjustable Gimbal for Multiple Viewing Angles
Inspection targets inside industrial facilities are not always directly in front of the drone.
Camera angle also matters when viewing tank walls, overhead structures, areas around welds and other locations that are difficult to observe directly.
Scout 137 Gen3 uses a two-axis gimbal, with pitch adjustable through ±90°, helping operators align the camera view with the inspection target.
Together with the 4K camera's optical zoom and autofocus, this allows operators to observe targets from different angles and capture imagery better suited to the inspection task.
The design improves inspection flexibility in complex spaces and reduces unnecessary flight adjustments made solely to change the viewing angle.
Adjusting the viewing angle to inspect beams and connections within a ship compartment.
04 From Seeing Clearly to Keeping a Record
The value of high-definition imagery extends beyond on-site observation.
Using Scout 137 Gen3's image capture capabilities, operators can photograph and record key inspection locations, then use Scout Portal to replay, review and share inspection data.
Images and video captured on site can therefore support inspection review, equipment condition assessment and subsequent maintenance decisions.
From flight in GPS-denied environments and continuous tethered power to high-definition image capture and high-intensity lighting, Scout 137 Gen3's capabilities serve a common goal: making inspections in complex industrial spaces safer, more efficient and more digital.
Lighting reveals details on a compartment wall in a dark area.
Tecway continues to follow the application of ScoutDI industrial drones in ship, offshore, storage tank and industrial facility inspections, providing customers with professional industrial drone inspection solutions.
Entering the space is not enough: the view must be clear.
Illuminate dark areas and retain the details.
About Tecway
Founded in Hong Kong in 1993, Tecway International Limited is a leading technical consultant and high-quality representative in the global maritime industry. With more than three decades of experience, it has developed five core business areas: marine equipment, petrochemical storage and transportation, diesel engines and internal combustion engines, maritime technical services, and maritime consultancy. Its operations cover major markets including China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
Tecway Maritime is a specialist team for green shipping and maritime consultancy. Focusing on shipping companies' low-carbon transition and regulatory compliance needs, it provides EU ETS, UK ETS and FuelEU compliance consultancy, EUA/UKA allowance procurement support, FuelEU Pooling compliance pool services, support for green marine fuel projects, export solutions for Chinese-made marine equipment, industrial drone solutions from Norway's ScoutDI, and FGSS/CHS technical services for dual-fuel vessels.
We also serve the diesel engine and internal combustion engine manufacturing industry, supplying products such as the Cylinder Liner Diameter Measurement (CLDM) system and providing technical support. From sales consultancy, installation and commissioning to training and after-sales service, our responsive service network offers dependable expertise and reliability.
Website: tecwayintl.com
Inquiry telephone: 021-6917 7751
Email: jacky.xiong@tecwayintl.com