LUGN monitors from high altitude

LUGN Security B.V. is a young, innovative company based in Heerlen that helps security companies robotize their services. Instead of just sending security guards out in cars, LUGN deploys security drones that are remotely controlled. Drones automatically track incidents, allowing surveillance cars to respond much faster. The company was founded under the name NIMO Drone Security B.V. by two experienced entrepreneurs: Alex Hermans (also known from Nimo Dog Security) and Dirk Bekke (former robotics professor at Saxion). They look back on the start of this innovative company and look ahead to the future.

Alex: "In industry, automation has been normal for more than a hundred years. In security it is almost not yet, while there are huge personnel shortages. You don't solve those with more people, but by using the people you have more effectively. Drones are a logical step in that."

Remotely controlled

LUGN's drones are located in docking stations on or adjacent to major business sites. From the LUGN Control Center in Heerlen, these drones are remotely controlled in full compliance with strict aviation regulations. The technology is patented and thanks to a unique drone operating license the drones may be operated remotely, even out of the pilot's sight (BVLOS).

Direct to the control room

In the event of an alarm, the dispatcher sends a follow-up request for the drone from the control room. The pilots in the LUGN Control Center remotely launch the drone. Then the drone automatically flies directly to the scene of the incident. That could be at a business park, a marshalling yard, container terminal or large event. The live images go directly to the control room, where a dispatcher watches to assess the situation. If the image is verified, he can immediately call in the police.

Safety of and from airspace

With Intergarde, a large security company based in Maastricht, LUGN entered into a strategic partnership. Alex: "We look at the safety of the airspace, Intergarde at the safety from the airspace. This combination allows us to assess incidents much faster and protect companies better. What used to take sometimes 30 minutes now only takes about 3 minutes. That's the difference between disrupting an incident or finding out afterwards that it took place."

Intense years

The past few years have been intensive. Pilot projects with NS, industrial partners and the Ministry of Defense, among others, were important learning moments. Alex: "We deliberately focused first on private security for large sites, such as marshalling yards, container terminals and large event sites. We still work together with the Ministry of Defense, for example for the security of barracks. But those are long and tough processes, involving many parties and rules."

Limburg as international drone hub

Innovation is not just about technology, he emphasizes. "You also need innovation in legislation and in the market. You have to include chain partners, from government to security companies and control rooms. That takes time, patience and a lot of perseverance." Still, Alex sees opportunities, especially in the region. "How wonderful would it be if Heerlen and Maastricht continued to develop into an international drone hub? A place where we organize and license flying on, around and across the border together. There really is a role for the region there."

By robots more time for people

The core of LUGN remains the same: human-centered, supported by smart technology. Alex: "At first we thought: the security guard will get the role of drone pilot. In practice, it seemed more logical to give the control room dispatcher drone footage. So we ended up with a drone-as-a-service model. We relieve the control room. The security company remains in the lead towards the customer; we relieve them of all their worries about drone control, technology and permits."

Does Alex have any tips for other entrepreneurs?

He laughs, "Very simple: persevere. Entrepreneurship is trial and error. Stay flexible, because innovation takes time. It's not just about technology, but also changes in legislation and market acceptance. For that, good chain partners and strong networks are crucial."