SYNDÉO Envisions the Future of Autonomous Flight with Underground Drone Bases
New Subsurface Drone Shelters Introduced by SYNDÉO
By DRONELIFE Features Editor Jim Magill
In a bid to innovate within the commercial drone industry, SYNDÉO, a Wisconsin-based infrastructure company, is promoting the concept of subsurface drone shelters. These structures are designed to support drones engaged in critical missions, such as infrastructure inspections and border security operations.
Overview of SmartVault Drone Base
SYNDÉO’s flagship product, the SmartVault Drone Base, features a load-bearing, lockable hatch that is flush with street level. According to Gary Henshue, the company’s founder and CEO, the SmartVault is engineered to accommodate various functions, including:
- Drone charging
- Secure storage
- Communications equipment
- Backup power
- Thermal management
- Onboard edge AI for remote decision-making
Henshue emphasizes that the SmartVault distinguishes itself from traditional above-ground drone docks by integrating mission-critical infrastructure within a single, protected platform.
Company Background and Development
Founded in 2015, SYNDÉO emerged from a family legacy in underground construction, which dates back to the mid-1930s. The company initially focused on smart city initiatives aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and resource efficiency. Henshue noted that his family’s businesses have contributed significantly to the installation of pipelines and fiber-optic cables across the United States.
SYNDÉO participated in the Smart City Challenge in Austin, Texas, in 2016, where it installed several SmartVaults to support the city’s traffic signal system. Although Austin did not win the challenge, it received recognition for its SmartVault installation in 2018.
Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its advancements, SYNDÉO faced challenges in promoting its SmartVault technology, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which slowed interest in smart city projects. Henshue indicated that funding for such initiatives may increasingly rely on private investments and public-private partnerships rather than municipal budgets.
The company has secured ten patents for its underground enclosure technology and is currently in the fifth generation of its SmartVault design. Henshue highlighted the integration of AI technology as a significant advancement, positioning the SmartVault as a suitable base for drone operations.
Applications and Partnerships
The SmartVault measures eight feet by six feet with an eight-foot ceiling, allowing drones to launch from the structure when needed. It is designed to protect drones from harsh weather conditions, making it suitable for various applications, including:
- Surveillance along border areas
- Emergency response along highways
- Periodic inspections of critical infrastructure
Recently, SYNDÉO has reached out to established companies in the drone sheltering sector, such as Skydio and Anduril Industries, to explore potential partnerships for integrating SmartVault technology into their service offerings. Henshue expressed the company’s interest in collaborating with an execution partner to enhance the deployment of this innovative solution.