Intertek partners with the University of Houston for drone design and development
02 Oct 2025
Engineering students gain real-world experience in developing technology for industrial applications
Houston, Texas, USA: Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide, has partnered with the University of Houston Mechanical Engineering Technology program to design and build drones that will be utilized by Intertek personnel when inspecting industrial assets and infrastructure.
When drones take flight, they help reduce safety risks by eliminating the need for inspection personnel to be present in hazardous locations, confined or inaccessible spaces, extreme heights, and more. Using drones generates cost savings for asset owners and operators by eliminating the need for scaffolds, manlifts and other equipment while also reducing the time that an asset is not operating.
Intertek’s Advanced Inspection Specialty Services (AISS) team is working closely with University of Houston Mechanical Engineering Technology students. Focusing on extending drone uptime, improving video and photo capabilities, ensuring a compact size, and minimizing maintenance requirements, students are collaborating with Intertek engineers and subject matter experts, gaining real-world insight into drone design and operational requirements for industrial applications such as inspection services. These services are critical for ensuring the structural integrity and efficient operation of large assets such as offshore oil rigs, refineries, wind turbines and power generation plants.
Kyle McNeil, Intertek Surveying Services (ISS) General Manager, commented: “Intertek is pleased to be working with University of Houston engineering students on state-of-the-art drone technology design and functionality. Together, we are educating and inspiring the next generation of engineers while advancing vital industrial inspection services. By combining drone technology and Intertek’s proven technical expertise, global companies have access to safer, innovative, bespoke solutions that deliver accurate data and quality reporting, helping them to make informed decisions so that their assets operate safely and reliably.”
Dr. Weihang Zhu, Professor and Program Coordinator of the Mechanical Engineering Technology program, stated: “We greatly appreciate the opportunity to collaborate with Intertek in the development of confined space drones and potentially contribute to the safe operation of the oil & gas industry. We are very proud of our talented Mechanical Engineering Technology students for their wonderful job in designing and manufacturing the drone prototypes with the guidance of Intertek engineers. This showcases our high-quality education at the University of Houston. We would also like to thank Arthur Sena, Academic Support Assistant, and our outstanding mentors, Professor Dr. El Nahas, Dr. Basaran, and Dr. Afrin for their unwavering support to our students and collaborators.”
Intertek's AISS team maintains extensive expertise in the precise and accurate capture and interpretation of visual inspection, design data, Point Cloud, CAD, 3D modeling and other physical asset data. From drones and robotics to the latest in augmented reality and digital twin methodologies, the team's platform encompasses the in-demand and globally recognized technologies that are necessary today when working in industry sectors such as power generation, oil & gas, renewable energy, transportation, construction and more.
For Media Information:
Please contact:
Niki Schroeder
Niki.Schroeder@intertek.com
For Technical Information:
Please contact:
Nathan Tompkins
Nathan.Tompkins@intertek.com
About Intertek
Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.
Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains.
Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations.
Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.