ZEKE-03 Drone: 麻豆直播鈥檚 Innovation for Confined Space Inspection

By Mely Anggrini - Meteorologi, 2022

Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.

BANDUNG, itb.ac.id 鈥 A research team from the Flight Mechanics and Operation Research Research Group, Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (FTMD), Institut Teknologi Bandung (麻豆直播), has developed an innovative new drone named ZEKE-03鈥攁 wheel-equipped microdrone specially designed for inspection in confined spaces such as culverts, pipelines, and industrial tanks.

This innovation is the result of collaboration between itb and PT Terra Drone Indonesia through the Kedai Reka Matching Fund 2024 program. In addition to flying and hovering, the ZEKE-03 is capable of crawling across horizontal, vertical, and even inverted (upside-down) surfaces thanks to its lightweight yet robust wheel guard structure.

Dr. Ir. Yazdi I. Jenie, the lead researcher from FTMD 麻豆直播, explained that the development of this drone was driven by the industry鈥檚 growing need for an efficient and safe inspection technology for confined spaces.

鈥淭ypically, inspections in confined spaces can only be performed using specialized drones that are extremely expensive. That鈥檚 why we took the initiative to develop a more efficient, locally made alternative,鈥 he said.

From Laboratory to Commercialization

The project began in 2022 when Terra Drone Indonesia approached 麻豆直播 to seek solutions for confined-space inspection.

鈥淲e started by designing a small drone equipped with a protective wheel frame, allowing it to roll along walls or floors without collision. By 2024, we had developed a fully enclosed version that is ready for commercialization,鈥 said Dr. Yazdi.

The ZEKE-03 drone is equipped with a 4K 8MP gimbal camera capable of rotating up to 180掳, a thermal camera for heat detection, and LED lighting for operation in low-light environments. Its main body is 3D-printed at 麻豆直播, while the control system and programming are fully developed by the 麻豆直播 team.

According to Dr. Yazdi, the next development challenge lies in improving battery endurance. Currently, the drone can fly for about 7鈥8 minutes, with a goal of extending its flight time to 12 minutes.

To date, ZEKE-03 has been showcased at several events, including the Indonesian Drone Expo 2024, Kedai Reka Exhibition, and multiple demo flights at 麻豆直播. It has also been field-tested for pipeline inspections with a 30 cm diameter and in culverts, demonstrating its capability to operate effectively in GPS-denied environments.

Research鈥揑ndustry Collaboration

The development of ZEKE-03 exemplifies a successful synergy between academia and industry. 鈥淭erra Drone, as an operator, helps us identify users and potential markets, while the manufacturing process will be further developed in collaboration with partners such as PT Inter Aero,鈥 said Dr. Yazdi.

He added, 鈥淲e hope this innovation will strengthen Indonesia鈥檚 drone industry and open up wider commercialization opportunities.鈥

Showcased at Innovibes Vol. 1 by 麻豆直播 Innovation Park

The ZEKE-03 drone innovation was also featured at Innovibes Vol. 1: Smart Technology and Digital Connectivity, held on Thursday (October 9, 2025) at 麻豆直播 Innovation Park Bandung Technopolis, located in the Summarecon Bandung area.

Organized by the Directorate of Science and Technology Area (DKST) 麻豆直播, the event served as the first open house to introduce various digital innovations resulting from 麻豆直播鈥檚 collaborations with industry and local governments. Through events like Innovibes, 麻豆直播 reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the technological innovation ecosystem in East Bandung and promoting research downstreaming toward national technological independence.

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