Blue Vigil introduces new drone-based job site lighting solution

Blue Vigil says its autonomous aerial LED puts over 8,000 sq ft of light on the ground, providing nearly twice as much coverage as traditional towed light towers

Re-envisioning the traditional towable light tower concept, Blue Vigil, a developer of tether power systems for commercial drones, announced the CONEXPO-CON/AGG preview of its new Autonomous Aerial LED (ALED) portable light aimed at making nighttime sites safer and more productive.

The startup’s breakthrough person-portable light recently won the 2023 Innovation Award at the American Traffic Safety Services Association (ATSSA) trade show in Phoenix, AZ. CONEXPO-CON/AGG attendees will have the opportunity to see the light March 14-18 in Booth N10816.

“We are bringing major technological innovation to the $4.5-billion global light tower category,” said Robert Schumann, CEO, Blue Vigil. “Currently, towed light towers are the de-facto standard for a majority of nighttime roadside, bridge, overpass and other horizontal construction sites. However, they do a poor job of illuminating work scenes due to the inherent limitation in the tower height and lack of flexibility in placement.

“We have a better, and safer, solution to answer what will soon become known as ‘yesterday’s problems,’” Schumann stated.

Blue Vigil’s ALED is a compact area lighting system that mounts a high-intensity LED array on a tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), also known as a drone, positioning the light 40 to 100 feet above a job site for as long as needed.

The ALED puts over 8,000 sq ft of light on the ground providing nearly twice as much coverage as traditional towed light towers. By illuminating a work zone from 40’ to 100’ above, light shines directly down onto the area of operation, without creating the dangerous glare and shadows that negatively affect workers, residential environments, wildlife and motorists.

“Illuminating a work area from directly above eliminates dangerous shadows or glare that create hazardous conditions for workers and motorists,” said Schumann. “The ALED Portable Light will dramatically improve work zone safety and operational efficiency by putting more usable light on the ground where it’s needed.”

The ALED is more energy efficient than current LED light towers as it can be powered by wall/shore power; a smaller, quieter portable 3000 W generator; or a common

The all-weather light is enclosed in a rugged, person-portable wheeled case that can be positioned wherever illumination is needed

vehicle inverter. The ALED is designed to withstand the rigors of use in the field and on construction sites.

The all-weather light is enclosed in a rugged, person-portable wheeled case that can be positioned wherever illumination is needed. The base is 30 in. wide, 42 in. long, and 24 in. deep. Because it can be easily moved and positioned, it reduces the need to have heavy light towers stationed in areas where they aren’t always needed.

Weighing 75 lbs., the product fits into a pickup or SUV and does not require a trailer or towing, making it easy to transport, easy to position and easy to store. To set up, position the unit, open the case and push one-button to raise the light into position.

The ALED was selected for an Innovation Award at the ATSSA’s 53rd Annual Convention & Traffic Expo. According to the ATSSA, “It wowed the department of transportation officials who served as judges.”

Blue Vigil is currently taking pre-orders for the ALED and scheduling post-show product demonstrations. Production is planned for late Q4 2023/early Q1 2024.