EagleHawk has developed drones to disinfect large stadiums and arenas. Will it hasten the return of major pro sports?
Originally posted on SI.com on May 26, 2020
As the MLB, NHL and NBA all consider a return to action, a New York-based company is offering a solution to keep their stadiums and arena germ-free by spraying disinfectant from drones.
EagleHawk announced that it has developed a drone that can assist in quickly killing the coronavirus. While EagleHawk usually specializes in drones that use thermal cameras to detect roof leaks for government, college, medical and retail buildings, they took a different business approach when the coronavirus pandemic hit the U.S. in March.
The company pivoted and decided to remove the thermal cameras from its drones and replace it with a device that sprays disinfectant. The disinfectant is stored in a tank on the ground which is then pumped to the drone through an attached hose. Then, a second drone flies through the air, near the disinfecting drone, and holds the hose up to prevent it from getting caught on other objects like seats. The system can be used within any outdoor or indoor facility.
CEO Patrick Walsh explained that the drones are much more efficient than having employees walk around and spray thousands of seats, noting that “now people won’t be directly exposed” as “the drone will do the job.”
