It’s not surprising to see drones flying in open spaces like parks or squares. However, when it comes to indoor operations—especially when the drone is performing a real task rather than just testing—it becomes quite rare. Junyan Woon is one of those few who believe that drones can be just as effective indoors. Though he may not be deeply embedded in the tech world, his background includes seven years as a naval officer in Singapore. During that time, he worked on cutting-edge drone technology used on ocean-going vessels, which eventually sparked his interest in entrepreneurship.
In 2011, after experiencing poor service at a local restaurant due to a shortage of staff, Woon began thinking about how technology could solve such problems. At the time, Singapore was facing a labor shortage, partly due to stricter foreign worker policies. This led to an unusually low unemployment rate, but also made locals more selective about their jobs. Serving customers in a high-pressure environment wasn’t appealing to them anymore.
“This problem can’t be ignored,†Woon said. “Waiters have to stand for long hours, deal with impatient customers, and the pay isn’t great. Why not try something like drones in restaurants?†That idea led him to leave the Navy in 2013 and start Infinium Robotics, a company focused on developing indoor drone systems. Through partnerships with local eateries, they introduced the Infinium-Serve UAV system, which has already gained traction and will expand to five restaurants this year.
The drone's main function is its indoor operation. In the system, food is transported from the kitchen to a transfer point via drone, then delivered to the customer by a waiter. While direct delivery is possible, many restaurants prefer human interaction. Initially, Woon considered ground robots, but they were inefficient and caused safety issues. Drones, especially those operating in the ceiling space, proved to be a better solution.
Infinium’s drones are designed for small spaces, featuring protective mesh over the propellers and a stabilizing system that corrects tilting. They also use sensors like sonar, infrared, and stereo vision to avoid collisions. But what truly sets them apart is their advanced flight control and multi-drone coordination technology, which ensures precise movement and spacing between drones.
However, challenges remain. Indoor GPS doesn’t work well, so the team is developing a camera-based positioning system. Noise is another issue; to maintain a pleasant atmosphere, they’re working on Dynamic Noise Reduction technology. Despite these hurdles, the potential for indoor drones is vast. From delivering coffee in offices to helping in warehouses, the applications are endless.
While some experts, like Peter Kopitz of aCommerce, question the cost-effectiveness of drones, Woon believes the technology will become more viable as prices drop. He sees the need for efficient solutions in developed countries where labor costs are high and hiring staff is difficult.
Infinium has already secured $750,000 in funding and is seeking $11 million more to meet global demand. The company is also navigating regulatory challenges by focusing on indoor operations, which are less restricted than outdoor flights. As the industry evolves, Woon remains optimistic about the future of indoor drones.
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