During the project, we analysed what type of public and private data can be used that will be useful for the ALDRONE solution as well as an in-depth analysis of readily available Galileo GNSS devices. We especially studied the maturity and extended features of Galileo devices in comparison to GPS/ GLONASS which allowed us to identify the best solution for its integration. Research comparing ALDRONE with the state-of-the-art and known commercial solutions was carried out, including costs, environmental benefits, ease-of-use and other features. This task allowed us to define the specific software and hardware redesign needs for the Phase II project.
Our business innovation has generated significant interest and market potential amongst our SME customer network, however a market assessment was done to quantify the market potential that ALDRONE holds and to let target customers guide our commercial strategy. The market assessment showed us that ALDRONE is suited to the demining market sector.
We have designed a business model adapted to the key needs of demining entities based on surveys and personal contact with experts and professionals. As the ALDRONE solution includes a hardware and a software service, pricing will be determined according to the modules/ components that each customer requires but can be paid as a fixed, monthly payment. The price of the hardware component that companies will need is estimated to be up to 50.000€. We have already released the MVP product to the market in September 2015, as part of customer development efforts within our ALDRONE innovation plan. With the financial support of the Ph2 project we will be able to release the next versions of the fully integrated solution until reaching TRL9 and thus ready for all the targeted market segments. This will have all components, including multispectral sensors, Galileo/EGNOS receivers, as well as a GIS module. The 2nd part release will have the fully operative software and cloud database support.
We have identified various risks associated with how our solution will be accepted. Some of these are included in the SWOT diagram, which are linked to existing companies who already develop and sell products for demining which are complementary to the ALDRONE solution, not an alternative. Further risks linked to the implementation of the Phase II project are also detailed.
As part of the feasibility study of Phase 1, we evaluated worldwide patents and found no relevant IPR conflict. Moreover, as we will integrate and work on different modules already belonging to CATUAV, we do not envisage any obstacle in this sense. We will explore the possibility of patenting this system - or parts - with a patent lawyer as determined in the feasibility study. We have conducted an initial freedom to operate search and have found no proprietary impediments to our project.
The whole feasibility deliverable has been formatted as a business plan, including a commercialisation strategy and criteria for success. The confirmation of our business hypothesis through a customer validation process and the potential added value of our proposal against competition provide reasonable guarantees for commercial success.
