Aranica: Commercialization of a Drone Mapping and Sensing Technology

Abstract

Power industries nowadays are struggling to find efficient ways to inspect power lines when there is no need for repair. Moreover, 99% of power used in Norway is from hydro power, there are thousands of water dams waiting to be examined after the winter season has passed and things start to defrost. Traditional methods for inspecting power lines such as helicopters endanger human safety during the operation, sad incidents caused by helicopter power line inspections have happened again and again in the U.S. as well as other countries around the globe. Aranica – a spin-off company from NORUT, offers mapping and inspection services with drones. This thesis will break down the technology from Aranica and explore a successful commercialization route for the company. In particular, the research will devote itself to finding the answer to which elements in the Norwegian Market allow for commercializing of drone mapping and sensing technology. The author of this thesis will conduct an exploratory research combined with descriptive research in order to find out the answer. In-office interviews, online secondary data, and email questionnaires will be used for gathering data for further analysis. The Innovation Study, Market Study and Business Plan will be presented in chapters in this thesis. The Innovation Study will use Blue Ocean Strategy Canvas and BEC/BUM framework to find out the competitive aspects of Aranica and help indicate the market direction with innovation type. The Mark Study will go through a thorough industry and market analysis therefore to decide a marketing strategy for Aranica. The Business Plan will offer a comprehensive view on the commercialization strategy of Aranica.