83692R&D to enhance drone flight technology to facilitate pollution reduction in urban areasClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe intent of this project is to further develop and prove safe and effective spraying of specific coatings and disinfectants using Aspira's bespoke Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (drone). These coatings can be used to protect and enhance buildings and structures, tackle air pollution including NOx and particulate matter and disinfect areas against infectious diseases including Covid-19\. Aspira is a leading technology company developing new, safer ways of maintaining and treating tall buildings and structures with specialist coatings by using a bespoke Drone, already approved by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to fly and spray in close proximity to buildings. Our primary aim is to support the green agenda by applying coatings that actively clean buildings and reduce air pollution and particulate matter, as well as to mitigate the risks of working at height. In particular we are focussing on the application of a specialist product, based on nano titanium technology with photo catalytic properties. A potentially game changing transparent material that when applied to exterior surfaces transforms the surface into a self-cleaning, pollution busting catalytic cleaner. Reducing NOx using a titanium dioxide coating is not a new technology, it is the principle of catalytic converters. The restriction is the prohibitive cost of applying this to existing structures. Our drone will allow buildings to be treated quickly, effectively whilst minimising the cost where more traditional methods have failed Our system and heavy lift spray drone has a unique capability of spraying both horizontally (forwards) and downwards, using both ground fed and onboard spray systems. In order to achieve this goal our key objectives of the project are: * To further develop and trial the anti-collision technology to minimise potential risk associated with flying in close proximity to buildings/structures whilst spraying. * To establish and trial robust operating procedures to enable specific coatings to be effectively and safely sprayed using our drone. * To maintain regulatory authorisation for enhanced spray operations to tackle air pollution. * To further develop an effective spraying system to apply the pollution control product. * To trial this using the establish relationship and proposed trials with Salford University School of Science, Engineering & Environment * To understand and address any environmental impact, both positive and negative (where applicable). We have proven this concept but we now need to refine the technology. This includes developing cutting edge flight stabilisation technology and effective spraying a variety of coatings to target dirty buildings and structures, air pollution including NOx and particulate matter. This could also be used to disinfect areas against COVID-19 and other infectious diseases. Once developed this will enable initiatives such as the protection and aesthetic enhancement of city centres, significant reduction in NOx and particulate pollutants and potentially the spread of diseases such as coronavirus at a cost that is affordable and whilst reducing the risk of working at height. The disruption caused by COVID-19 has significantly and adversely impacted our research and development for the technology required to make this a reality and this grant will enable us to achieve this goal.