SCALE: Pioneering the Future of Autonomous Mobility with Drone Innovation
Skyfarer HQ - Control Room
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking trial as part of the wider SCALE Project. We’ve launched an ambitious collaboration between Skyfarer Ltd, Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council, The National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Coventry City Council, and Ohmio. This pioneering initiative will showcase how Drone-in-a-Box (DiaB) technology can enhance the safety, efficiency, and management of Connected Autonomous Mobility (CAM) systems.
How are we supporting the SCALE Project?
Through the SCALE Project we are exploring the operational potential of fully automated drone systems, specifically the DJI Dock 2, in real-world, high-traffic environments. Hosted at the NEC, this trial will demonstrate how drone data can enhance the performance of autonomous ground vehicles operating over a 5G network.
By integrating aerial intelligence with land-based mobility systems, the project will assess how DiaB technology can contribute to:
Enhanced passenger assurance and venue safety
Increased operational efficiency through automated inspections and surveillance
Significant cost savings in long-term infrastructure and maintenance
Real-time situational awareness and emergency response capability
“Through the SCALE Project, we’re demonstrating how Drone-in-a-Box technology can provide real-time data solutions that empower public sector partners to enhance safety, streamline operations, and future-proof critical infrastructure aligned with autonomous vehicle operations”
Why This Is a Game-Changer
The use of the DJI Dock 2, a self-contained, weather-resistant drone station, marks an exciting step forward for the CAM industry. With the ability to remotely launch scheduled or ad-hoc flights, this system requires minimal human intervention and offers remote operations, live video streaming, and real-time health monitoring.
The trial will focus on several key objectives:
Testing DiaB integration into CAM operations and traffic management applications managed over 5G
Comparing 5G NSA and SA performance under high vs. low crowd densities
Evaluating real-time data applications for predictive maintenance
Laying the foundation for future large-scale autonomous deployments
A Collaborative Effort Across Public and Private Sectors
This initiative exemplifies what’s possible when innovative councils and forward-thinking private sector leaders work together. Each partner brings distinct expertise:
Skyfarer Ltd: Drone technology and integration lead
NEC: Host site for trials, offering a real-world, high-traffic venue
Ohmio: Autonomous vehicle technology partner
Solihull & Coventry Councils: Supporting public sector innovation, mobility strategy, and regulatory alignment
“We were proud to host DIAB trials within Coventry, and look forward to further testing of the systems and 5G integration both at the NEC and at Coventry”
- Sunil Budhdeo, Coventry City Council
What Comes Next?
The project is structured in two key phases:
1. Stage One: Trials
Deployment of the DJI Dock 2 at the NEC
Drone mission tests during peak and off-peak visitor times
Live data sharing with NEC operations and Ohmio traffic management systems
Network performance tests across 4G, 5G NSA, and 5G SA
2. Stage Two: Demonstration Capture
A high-impact demo video showcasing live trials
Stakeholder interviews and project insights to support public awareness and future investment
Looking Ahead
The SCALE Project is a bold step toward smarter, safer, and more connected transport ecosystems. By harnessing drone automation and next-gen connectivity, we’re not just trialling new tools, we’re reimagining infrastructure, mobility, and venue safety.
Together, we’re setting a new benchmark for what’s possible in the mobility and smart venue space.
Stay tuned for more updates as the SCALE Project unfolds.