BOLO S1 Docking System
World's First Cross-Platform Drone Docking System Since 2015
Cross-platform
Works with any drone model, size and weight.
Rugged
Stainless steel platform built to withstand extreme environments.
Weatherproof
IP65-rated. Unaffected by dust, sand, hail, rain, salty water.
Lightweight
60g drone payload.
Landing Error Tolerant
Accommodates up to 200mm of landing error without any moving parts and without any moving part.
Dependable
40,000 trouble-free contact cycles.
Introducing BOLO S1
BOLO S1 is our award-winning cross-platform and future-proof docking system engineered to dock any drone (UAV). It comprises a conductive platform, usually placed on the ground, and a contact unit with spring-loaded contacts, mounted on the drone landing gear. The spring-loaded contacts automatically connect and disconnect during takeoff and landing. The proprietary conductive platform, coupled with the contact footprint, makes the docking system cross-platform and remarkably tolerant to landing errors. BOLO S1 system seamlessly accommodates all existing drone models and is future-proof. It has maintained its current design since 2015, integrated by over 50 drone models until the present day.
Just Land to Dock
BOLO S1 is specifically designed to ensure a reliable electrical connection upon landing, regardless of the drone's model, size, and landing position on the platform. By aligning the onboard spring-loaded contacts with the conductive elements of the platform, the electrical connection is consistently ensured with maximum efficiency.
The system is also indifferent to the landing orientation, making it suitable not only for VTOL copters but also for VTOL planes.
BOLO S1 effortlessly docks any drone from your current and future fleet, providing the convenience of a single, versatile, and durable solution.
Simple Integration
Our retrofit kits, compatible with various drone brands, both custom and established like DJI, streamline the process of incorporating a BOLO S1 into your drone fleet. Each Skycharge retrofit kit undergoes meticulous engineering and testing in close collaboration with manufacturers, guaranteeing a secure and durable integration that has no impact on the drone warranty. The simplicity of the task makes it accessible for anyone to perform.
DJI
Parrot
Generic
“I would like to thank Skycharge for the exceptional customer service provided. Your customer support was extremely helpful in answering many questions we had while integrating the drone charging pad into our system. Your detailed answers saved us numerous man-hours of investigation and testing. It’s refreshing to see there are still companies that understand the importance of quality customer support. Yours is first-rate.”
— Ed Henderson, Sr. Engineer, Florida Atlantic University, SeaTech – The Institute for Ocean & Systems Engineering
Get inspired by our clients
In various sectors such as inspection, surveillance, logistics, agriculture, and space exploration, our clients have effectively implemented the BOLO S1 in a range of drone charging stations. Here are a few instances that highlight the successful integration of our technology.
Exabotix EB-Copterport - Integrates BOLO S1 pre-configured to deliver 25V and 10A. Use case: oil & gas infrastructure inspection.
Aeronyde UAV HUB - stackable drone hangar with integrates BOLO S1. Use case: emergency response, surveillance.
Archer First Response System - Integrates Skycharge Source. Use case: drone delivery of AEDs.
Archon Autonomous Drones - Integrates Skycharge Source and a custom docking system. Use case: surveillance, security.
ADPM Drones - Integrates BOLO S1 and on-board charger configured to deliver 50V and overall 500W. Use case: BVLOS over 4G network POC.
KDDI Smart Drone - Integrates Skycharge Source to power a custom docking system. Use case: agriculture, UTM POC.
FAQs
How long does it take to charge the drone?
BOLO S1 serves as a docking system rather than a charging system. Its purpose is to automate the physical connection between our charging system and the battery of your drone/s. While numerous companies employ intricate mechanical solutions for this task, BOLO S1 stands out by operating without any moving parts. Consequently, it offers increased reliability, reduced susceptibility to failures, and demands less maintenance.
Does it work in the rain?
Yes. Skycharge BOLO S1 is rated IP65, ensuring its resilience against challenging weather conditions, including rain, hail, and water sprays.
Which drone models are compatible?
Our universal retrofit kit is adaptable to the majority of drones currently available in the market. For specific drones that pose compatibility challenges with the generic kit and are difficult to integrate, such as the DJI Mavic 3 series, we offer dedicated retrofit kits. The conductive platform has maintained consistent specifications since 2015. Therefore, any battery-powered drone introduced to the market since 2015 is compatible with it, and it's highly probable that upcoming battery-powered drones in the coming years will also be compatible.
Is it possible to recharge multiple drones simultaneously?
Technically, BOLO S1 allows for the simultaneous docking of multiple drones. However, it's important to note that our charging system is designed to charge only one drone at a time. In practical scenarios, the docking platform typically lacks sufficient space for more than one drone to land safely. For safety considerations, drones are usually maintained at a safe distance from each other to avoid potential collisions.
What level of landing precision is needed?
GPS accuracy alone is insufficient. For operational deployments, integrating a precision-landing system is recommended. Widely used solutions encompass computer vision, IR sensors, RTK, and UWB, which typically guarantee a landing error of less than 100mm for small and medium-sized drones. BOLO S1 can handle up to a 200mm landing error in its compact configuration and up to a 400mm landing error in its modular configuration, solidifying its reliability as a solution, even in highly windy conditions.