At my job [0] we work in this exact space, but on the data analytics side of things. We build computer vision pipelines for corrosion, components, defects, etc. We process imagery from drones, helis and satellite.

This is a tough problem to solve and for a lot of operators ultimately comes down to cost.

We're based in the UK but reach out if you wanna chat!

[0] https://keen-ai.com/

Happy to chat! We’re 100% focused on data collection, so partnering with folks downstream is right up our alley.

And yes-- certainly a tough problem to solve! There’s pattern we keep seeing in the utility inspection space where teams start with a great defect detection or analytics product, then try to verticalize by adding data collection, basically spinning up a small aviation operation inside a SaaS company. I'm sure you've seen this plenty of times. Our hope here is to make collection simple enough so that doesn't need to keep happening :)

I'll reach out!