RocketDNA secures two contracts for autonomous patrol bots for mining sites

Drone technology company RocketDNA (ASX: RKT) has secured two contracts valued at $350,000 for its xBot PatrolBot system to be deployed across multiple mining sites, as autonomous patrol vehicles that remove the need for traditional human patrols. 

RocketDNA’s PatrolBot system represents an advancement in surveillance technology. Designed for industries like mining, energy, and utilities, which face challenges in maintaining security across vast and remote areas, PatrolBot offers a drone solution to monitor and safeguard critical infrastructure. Traditional methods such as static cameras and human patrols are often inadequate for protecting large perimeters, and can be exploited with knowledge of blackspots and operating procedures. RocketDNA’s autonomous drones address these gaps by providing continuous, real-time monitoring with minimal human intervention.

The xBot PatrolBot is equipped with AI-driven capabilities, enabling it to autonomously patrol large perimeters and monitor assets without constant human supervision. Unlike traditional security methods, the PatrolBot can detect and respond to irregular activities in real-time, significantly enhancing the security operations of its clients. When threats are detected, the drones automatically stream live video feeds to security teams, allowing for immediate response and coordination with critical decisions still to be made by humans. This automation reduces labour costs, enhances response times, and bolsters the overall security of a site.

The contracts, each with 12-month terms, involve deploying RocketDNA’s PatrolBot units across several mining sites managed by SSG Security Solutions. The PatrolBot system will autonomously monitor and report on these areas, offering comprehensive perimeter security. This technology is capable of preventing illegal activities, including unauthorised mining, trespassing, and sabotage. The combined value of these contracts is approximately$350,000.

“These contract wins further validate the commercial demand for our autonomous xBot drone technology, particularly in security and surveillance arena,” said RocketDNA CEO, Chris Clark. 

“Our PatrolBot solution offers clients an effective and scalable method of securing their perimeters and critical assets with minimal human intervention. We are proud to provide such innovative technology to support these high-stakes operations. RocketDNA’s deployment of PatrolBot aligns with our broader business strategy of expanding our reach into industries where security, public safety, and critical infrastructure protection are top priorities. 

“These new contracts reinforce RocketDNA’s position as a leader in delivering cutting-edge drone solutions that solve real-world problems for our enterprise customers.”

The deployment of PatrolBot across these mining sites marks a new approach to security automation, offering efficient and cost-effective solutions that improve safety and reduce the risk of security breaches across high-risk industries.

For the Half Year ended 30 June 2024, RocketDNA reported $3.5 million revenue which represented a 16.9% increase on the previous corresponding Half Year. A net loss after tax of $872k was logged over the same period, with the Company holding $1.4 million of cash on hand as of the end of June. 

RocketDNA has since secured an unsecured revolving debt facility up to $1 million to assist operating cash flow.