Leading drone technology provider works with logistics powerhouse to optimize container inspection procedures

May 16 – Nearthlab, a leading provider of autonomous drone solutions, and The Rhenus Group, a premier logistics specialist, have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). According to the terms of the agreement, Nearthlab will finetune AiDEN, the company’s latest innovation, specifically for cargo inspections, with the ultimate goal of empowering Rhenus to regularly conduct container checks on their ships using AiDEN.

Container inspections have long been a labor-intensive process that spanned several days and relied heavily on manual assessment by workers. With AiDEN, Rhenus can swiftly capture detailed images of containers using autonomous drones. This marks a significant departure from previous methods, where technicians had to work their way around containers, making the process both time-consuming and physically demanding.

"From the outset, Nearthlab aimed to revolutionize maintenance work, particularly in the context of infrastructure," said Jay Choi, co-founder and CEO of Nearthlab. "AiDEN was born out of the desire to expand the applications of autonomous drones across a broader spectrum of industries. This MoU represents a significant step towards realizing that vision."

"One of the pillars supporting our business model revolves around managing logistics for offshore wind farms, which involves transporting goods between onshore facilities and offshore sites," said Björn Wittek, Managing Director of Rhenus Offshore Logistics GmbH. "Nearthlab's drones stood out for their ability to perform reliably in adverse weather conditions. We’re eager to see how this collaboration will propel us forward in the realm of offshore logistics and maintenance."