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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 ITB, explained that the development of this drone was driven by the industry’s growing need for an efficient and safe inspection technology for confined spaces.

“Typically, inspections in confined spaces can only be performed using specialized drones that are extremely expensive. That’s why we took the initiative to develop a more efficient, locally made alternative,” he said.

From Laboratory to Commercialization

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

“We 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,” said Dr. Yazdi.

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

According to Dr. Yazdi, the next development challenge lies in improving battery endurance. Currently, the drone can fly for about 7–8 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 ITB. 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–Industry Collaboration

The development of ZEKE-03 exemplifies a successful synergy between academia and industry. “Terra 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,” said Dr. Yazdi.

He added, “We hope this innovation will strengthen Indonesia’s drone industry and open up wider commercialization opportunities.”

Showcased at Innovibes Vol. 1 by ITB 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 ITB Innovation Park Bandung Technopolis, located in the Summarecon Bandung area.

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