Charlotte startup Lucid Drone Technologies has linked with Sunbelt Rentals to offer its industrial spray drones for rent nationwide.
Lucid Drone said the new partnership with Fort Mill-based Sunbelt, a national equipment rental company, makes its drones available for rent to residential cleaning companies, business service contractors, facility managers, construction businesses and commercial cleaning companies. Prior to the deal, the robotics tool was only available for customers to purchase.
The startup said its pressure-washing drones, which were created as a safer alternative for cleaning the exterior of buildings, will allow companies to complete a job in less time.
Lucid added, “This keeps workers safely on the ground and opens the door for more job opportunities.”
Adam Camhi, vice president of flooring solutions at Sunbelt, said the industrial technology provides an efficient and safer solution for its customers to tackle exterior cleaning jobs.
“Sunbelt Rentals is excited to add innovative solutions like the Lucid C1 drone to our rental portfolio,” he added.
The startup’s drones feature Wi-Fi and LTE, a GPS function and flight capabilities in urban environments, where the signal may be weaker. The machinery uses smart batteries that have an LED indicator providing the charge state and an “avoid distance” switch option. The switch gives operators the option to keep the drone at a set and safe distance from a building.
“The spraying drones can help facility managers and owners make the most out of their maintenance staff, helping them save time and money,” said Andrew Ashur, CEO of Lucid. “The idea isn't to automate away great employees; it's to allow great employees to solve more meaningful problems.”
The startup previously told CBJ its drones have improved businesses by increasing efficiency 80%, lowering overall costs by 77% and reducing job-site injuries by 95%.
To utilize the drones, Lucid says a FAA Part 107 drone certification and aviation insurance is required — which Sunbelt and the startup can help coordinate.
