Automation is the Aim for Robotics Expert Drevon Stanford

When Drevon Stanford re-joined Industrial Inspection & Analysis in 2024, it felt a lot like coming home. After all, he spent several years working as an Assistant Electrical Engineer in IIA’s San Antonio office, while still a student at the University of Texas at San Antonio.

In 2021, after earning his degree in Electrical Engineering (with a concentration in systems and control), Drevon joined an Austin-based robotics company. There, he helped design an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered vacuum for use in the hospitality industry and managed a team of six.

“To be able to see a design go from prototype into production and then into customer hands never gets old,” says Drevon. “I've always believed that the best engineers are those that are able to see all aspects of a design. It forces you to think in ways that aren't your habit, but in the end makes you well rounded.”

Ready for a change after the successful launch of the product, Drevon made his way back to San Antonio and a warm welcome at IIA. As part of our Texas-based team, Drevon creates and customizes automated inspection tools that make seemingly impossible inspections possible. Having experienced product development and production on a larger scale, he looks forward to building more customized inspection solutions. But the people behind the robotics are the best part of the job for Drevon.

“I really enjoy the people I work with, and I enjoy my daily responsibilities,” says Drevon. “I’m excited about updating our robotics technologies and taking our inspection abilities to the next level.”

Drevon’s primary focus is the nuclear power industry, where inspections are needed inside vessels, valves and tanks.

“We’re tasked with developing an automated system that can go inside the nuclear reactor to scan the welds and see if there are any cracks, and ensure that the structure is up to date,” explains Drevon. “Our system uses a robot that drives around with an ultrasonic testing (UT) probe, and I’m working on creating vacuum pressure to help the robot stay on the floor and navigate the walls of a storage tank or reactor.”

As one might imagine, unique challenges must be overcome when designing tools that perform well in an underwater, radiated environment. “The biggest challenge is selecting the right electronic components because things like Bluetooth and wi-fi don’t work well in the nuclear environment,” says Drevon. “You have to work more in analog and really know your analysis.”

He appreciates the fact that his efforts help to ensure the safety of nuclear plants, as well as pipelines and other critical facilities.

“We’re creating inspection tools for use in confined spaces and radiation environments where it’s not safe for people to go,” says Drevon. “Keeping people safe and healthy is the main thing.”

When his days aren’t spent flexing his engineering skills, in his free time Drevon is a man in motion. Along with CrossFit, Drevon’s wife and three young children — and a calendar full of family events— keep him happily on the go.

“I love to spend time with my wife and kids, and I like to exercise and move around a lot,” says Drevon.

A man of few words, Drevon’s smile says it all. “I’m on the quiet side and tend to keep to myself, but I like to have fun and enjoy the day.”

And one of the things he enjoys most is automating activities to make life easier for others.

“I really enjoy creating things that can help people, whether it be in their personal or work lives. I like thinking of ways you can automate your day and make a task, and ultimately your life, easier.”