When most people think of drones, they imagine stunning aerial shots or high-speed racing. But some of the most impactful drone work is happening far below our feet — in the dark, damp, and dangerous world of sewers.

Yep, we’re talking about poop drones.

Recently, a county in Michigan has been making waves by using drones to inspect sewer pipes. It all started after a massive sinkhole opened up in Fraser in 2016 — the result of a collapsed sewer interceptor. It cost $75 million to fix and forced a lot of people out of their homes. After that, the local government knew they needed to find a better way to inspect sewer systems before they failed.

That’s where drones came in.

Now, Macomb County uses advanced drones like the Flyability Elios 3 and Flybotix Asio X to fly through sewer pipes, mapping out damage and spotting problems before they become disasters. These drones are built for tight spaces — equipped with powerful lights, cameras, LiDAR sensors, and cages to keep them safe as they bounce around inside pipes.

Instead of sending humans into hazardous tunnels, operators can fly drones from above ground. And with AI software like SewerAI, they can quickly scan the footage and get detailed reports on cracks, corrosion, and more.

The results? Inspections that are 40% cheaper, faster, and way safer. And the data is better too.

It’s another reminder of how drones aren’t just about convenience — they can actually prevent major emergencies and protect people. This is the kind of innovation Drones for Dreams gets excited about. Whether it’s cleaning up Mount Everest, delivering aid, or keeping our infrastructure running, drones are changing the world in unexpected ways.

So next time someone asks you what drones are good for, just tell them: even the sewers are getting smarter.

Want to read the full WIRED article that inspired this post? Check it out here.