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Highlights

  • DUKR introduced the ICDS2 with the aim of achieving longer flight time, higher payload capacity, and improved cleaning efficiency.
  • It features enhanced radar and stabilization systems to support operations in complex environments.
  • The drone system is designed to reduce operational downtime for utility companies.

Duke Robotics Corp., a U.S.-based technology firm specializing in autonomous drone and robotics systems, has launched the second-generation version of its Insulator Cleaning Drone System (ICDS2). The updated model incorporates several technical improvements aimed at optimizing utility infrastructure maintenance.

The ICDS2 follows the company’s initial IC Drone platform, which was developed to automate the cleaning of high-voltage insulators. According to Duke Robotics, the new version introduces key upgrades in flight time, payload capacity, and operational durability, targeting better efficiency for utility providers managing large-scale electrical infrastructure.

Among the main enhancements, the ICDS2 offers a significantly extended flight duration. This upgrade enables the drone to complete more service tasks per mission before requiring recharging or maintenance, thereby increasing coverage area during operations. In addition, the drone’s maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) has been substantially increased. The higher payload allows the drone to carry larger volumes of cleaning fluid, reducing the frequency of refills and minimizing interruptions during active use.

Improvements have also been made to the system’s stability and positioning performance. Advanced algorithms and upgraded communication protocols enhance the drone's ability to maintain steady positioning, especially under variable weather conditions or in remote and elevated environments.

A new radar system has also been integrated into the ICDS2. The next-generation sensors improve object detection capabilities, offering enhanced situational awareness and obstacle avoidance. This upgrade is particularly useful for navigating complex or confined industrial spaces.

The cleaning system itself has been revised to improve effectiveness and reduce wear on critical components. Reinforced delivery mechanisms and optimized fluid dispersion are intended to increase cleaning output while minimizing system downtime for maintenance.

Commenting on the release, Duke Robotics CEO Yossef Balucka said the new product builds on lessons learned from previous field deployments and is designed to address several operational challenges facing utility operators. The ICDS2, he noted, aims to contribute to safer and more efficient infrastructure upkeep, particularly in sectors where conventional maintenance approaches are costly or hazardous.

The drone system is part of Duke Robotics’ broader efforts to commercialize drone-enabled solutions beyond defense applications. The company initially gained attention for its military-grade unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) known as TIKAD, which integrates remote-controlled weapon systems. More recently, Duke Robotics has shifted part of its focus to non-military applications such as infrastructure maintenance and industrial automation.