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One of the most complex challenges for modern water infrastructure is the detection of hidden underground leaks.
The Technology Innovation Institute (TII) of Abu Dhabi has developed a system based on Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) mounted on drones, capable of detecting water leaks up to 40 meters deep without the need for invasive interventions.
An advanced technological solution for the civil engineering, environmental, and sustainable resource management sectors.
How it works: SAR radar and multi-band sensors for non-invasive analysis
The system combines multi-frequency sensors (P, L, and C bands) with advanced data processing algorithms. This allows the drone to penetrate various ground layers — even under asphalt, sand, or urban infrastructure — collecting high-resolution geospatial data.
The result is a targeted mapping of underground water anomalies, achieved without excavation or service interruptions.
Key advantages:
- Cost reduction: no need for exploratory digging or invasive inspections
- Greater precision: collected data enables more accurate interventions
- Operational efficiency: faster detection and response times
- Environmental sustainability: lower resource consumption and reduced territorial impact
- Accessibility: operations possible even in remote or hard-to-reach areas
This technology offers a predictive maintenance approach and contributes to the reduction of water loss.
Dronitaly 2025: upcoming events and thematic focus
On 16 September 2025, a special event will be held at the ENEA Research Centre in Brasimone, focusing on the needs of Public Administrations through expert sessions, demonstrations, flight tests, and thematic roundtables.
From 11 to 13 March 2026, the eleventh edition of Dronitaly will take place at the Ex GAM Pavilion in BolognaFiere — Italy’s leading international event for the drone sector, featuring international exhibitors, demos, B2B meetings, and technical training.
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At the heart of the upcoming Dronitaly events will be the Aerial Operations theme, focused on technical drone applications in surveying, inspections, environmental monitoring, agritech, and security.
In parallel, the program will also address Innovative Air Mobility & Delivery, with insights into the future of logistics (e.g. transport of medicines and small packages) and passenger transport.
