Redefining Industrial Maintenance With A Custom DJI Matrice 400 Cleaning Drone

Industrial maintenance is undergoing a quiet but profound transformation. Tasks that once relied on rope access teams, heavy lifting equipment and prolonged site closures are increasingly being reimagined through advanced aerial robotics. A recent case study video from DJI Enterprise showcases how a purpose built cleaning drone, developed by KTV Working Drone and deployed by ISS Facility Services Norway, is reshaping what is possible in complex maintenance environments.

Centred around a heavily customised DJI Matrice 400 platform, this project demonstrates how enterprise drones can move far beyond inspection and surveying. By combining specialist hardware, bespoke software built on the DJI Mobile SDK, and deep industry experience, the team has unlocked safer, faster and more sustainable methods for cleaning and surface treatment at height.

This article explores how the solution was developed, why the Matrice 400 was central to its success, and what it means for the future of industrial drone operations in the UK and beyond.

The Challenge Of Traditional Industrial Cleaning

Large scale buildings and infrastructure present a unique set of maintenance challenges. Iconic structures such as opera houses, museums, refineries and industrial plants are often constructed using a wide mix of materials including glass, marble, aluminium and composite surfaces. Cleaning and surface treatment across these materials typically requires different tools, chemicals and access methods.

Conventional approaches rely on rope access technicians, building maintenance units or mobile elevated work platforms. These methods introduce several problems:

• High risk exposure for personnel working at height
  
• Long setup and dismantling times
  
• Disruption to surrounding operations or public access
  
• Increased environmental impact through energy use and runoff
  
• Escalating costs as structures become more complex

For organisations such as ISS Facility Services, innovation teams are actively searching for alternatives that improve safety while also delivering operational efficiencies and sustainability benefits.

From Concept To Operational Reality

KTV Working Drone originated in Norway as part of the wider KTV Group, a company with over three decades of experience in cleaning and surface treatment. The goal was clear from the outset. Remove people from the most hazardous working environments and replace traditional access methods with remotely operated aerial systems.

Development began in 2015 and followed a long and deliberate path. Early prototypes focused on stability, payload handling and fluid delivery. Over five years of testing and refinement took place before the solution reached a level suitable for real world deployment. By 2022, the system had completed extensive trials in Norway and was ready to scale internationally.

What makes this project particularly compelling is that it was not driven by drone technology alone. It was driven by domain expertise. KTV understood the realities of industrial cleaning, which allowed them to design a drone system that solved real problems rather than forcing aviation technology into unsuitable roles.

Why The DJI Matrice 400 Mattered

The introduction of the DJI Matrice 400 marked a step change in what KTV Working Drone could achieve. Compared to previous platforms, the Matrice 400 provided a combination of power, safety and integration flexibility that aligned perfectly with demanding cleaning operations.

One of the most significant improvements came from payload capacity. With roughly double the payload capability of earlier platforms, the Matrice 400 allowed KTV to carry the same operational equipment while operating well within safe limits. This increased safety margins, enabled longer flight times and improved stability during high pressure cleaning tasks.

Enhanced onboard safety systems also played a critical role. Additional radar and LiDAR sensors gave pilots greater situational awareness, particularly around complex structures. These systems allowed the team to focus on mission execution rather than constantly compensating for risk.

For operations over public spaces or sensitive sites, the ability to operate with greater confidence and redundancy is not a luxury. It is essential.

Custom Software Unlocking Autonomy

Hardware alone was not enough to deliver the desired outcomes. KTV Working Drone built custom mission software using the DJI Mobile SDK, tailoring flight behaviour specifically for cleaning workflows.

This software integration enabled a high degree of autonomous flight. Instead of manually piloting every movement, the drone could follow precise paths at consistent speeds and distances from surfaces. The result was repeatable cleaning quality and significantly reduced operator workload.

Autonomous operation also improved efficiency. By maintaining optimal speed and positioning, the system delivered faster coverage without compromising results. Compared to manual operations from two years earlier, the leap in performance was substantial.

For enterprise operators, this highlights a critical point. The real power of modern drones often lies in software integration rather than airframe specifications alone.

Safety First In Every Operation

Safety underpins every aspect of professional drone operations, especially in industrial environments. Pilots at KTV Working Drone conduct detailed risk assessments before each mission, identifying hazards and implementing layered mitigation strategies.

These include controlled exclusion zones, physical barriers and safety tethering systems from rooftops on taller buildings. In the unlikely event of an incident, such measures prevent uncontrolled falls and protect people and assets below.

By removing technicians from ropes and lifts, the drone based approach dramatically reduces exposure to falls and fatigue related incidents. For many organisations, this shift alone justifies the investment in aerial cleaning technology.

A New Standard For Sustainability

Sustainability benefits are another major driver behind drone enabled maintenance. Traditional access equipment consumes energy, requires transport and often involves extensive water usage.

Drone cleaning systems use targeted application methods, reducing waste and runoff. Shorter operation times lower overall energy consumption, while fewer vehicles and machines on site reduce emissions.

For organisations with environmental targets or public accountability, these improvements support broader sustainability goals without compromising operational standards.

Real World Deployment At Iconic Sites

One of the most striking demonstrations of this technology took place at the Oslo Opera House. Its complex architecture and mixed surfaces make traditional cleaning extremely time consuming. The drone solution delivered faster results while protecting both workers and the structure itself.

Further testing at technical museums and aviation exhibits pushed the platform even further. The Matrice 400 enabled hard cleaning tasks that were previously impractical using drones, opening new service categories within industrial maintenance.

These real world deployments underline an important truth. Enterprise drones are no longer experimental tools. They are proven assets delivering measurable value.

What This Means For UK Operators

For UK based organisations operating in sectors such as oil and gas, energy, construction and infrastructure, this case study signals a clear shift. Drone cleaning is no longer a niche concept. It is an emerging industry with scalable, commercially viable solutions.

Regulatory compliance, training and system integration remain essential. Operators must ensure that aircraft, software and workflows align with UK aviation regulations and site specific safety requirements. However, the operational benefits are increasingly difficult to ignore.

As platforms like the DJI Matrice 400 continue to evolve, we can expect to see even broader adoption of aerial robotics across maintenance and asset care.

The Future Of Drone Enabled Maintenance

Five years ago, drone cleaning barely existed as a recognised service. Today, thousands of drones operate globally in cleaning and surface treatment roles. According to those closest to the industry, this growth represents only the beginning.

As autonomy improves, payload systems diversify and software becomes more specialised, enterprise drones will continue to redefine how maintenance is planned and delivered. The Matrice 400 case study shows what becomes possible when manufacturers, developers and operators work together with a shared vision.

FAQs

What is an industrial cleaning drone used for?

Industrial cleaning drones are used to clean and treat surfaces on large structures such as buildings, industrial plants and infrastructure without requiring people to work at height.

Is drone cleaning safer than rope access?

Drone cleaning significantly reduces risk by removing personnel from hazardous positions and replacing manual access methods with remotely operated systems.

Can drones perform hard surface cleaning?

Modern enterprise drones with sufficient payload capacity can carry equipment for hard cleaning tasks such as surface treatment and controlled abrasion.

How does autonomous flight improve cleaning quality?

Autonomous flight maintains consistent speed, distance and coverage, resulting in uniform cleaning results and reduced operator fatigue.

Are cleaning drones suitable for UK industrial sites?

With appropriate training, risk assessment and regulatory compliance, cleaning drones can be deployed across a wide range of UK industrial environments.

Conclusion

The custom DJI Matrice 400 cleaning drone developed by KTV Working Drone represents a major milestone in the evolution of industrial maintenance. By combining advanced hardware, bespoke software and deep operational expertise, the project demonstrates how enterprise drones can deliver safer, faster and more sustainable outcomes in demanding environments.

As UK industries continue to explore innovative approaches to maintenance and asset care, solutions like this provide a clear blueprint for what the future holds.

To explore enterprise grade drone platforms and professional solutions, speak to the team at 0330 111 7177 or shop directly through the Coptrz official online store for enterprise drone purchases.