Case Study: Percepto Drone Operations Center

Percepto Drone Operations Center — “The Vault”

How Xybix helped Percepto launch a flexible, collaboration-first drone ROC in Riviera Beach, FL.

About Percepto:

Percepto delivers holistic drone solutions that bring fully automated inspections and continuous monitoring to critical infrastructure worldwide. Backed by a visionary team in the U.S. and Israel, Percepto is redefining what’s possible in industrial automation, helping organizations stay safer, smarter, and always mission ready.

Background:

Percepto needed its first-ever Remote Operations Center (ROC) to support autonomous drone missions across the U.S. Guided by a consultant’s recommendation, they partnered with Xybix. From concept to installation, Xybix steered the project through six design rounds and a room change to deliver seven single surface workstations plus a supervisor station, with optimized sightlines to the video wall and branded details - all on time and under budget.

The Challenge:

• Design the company’s first ROC
• Maximize operator capacity within a fixed footprint
• Enable close collaboration between pilots working in teams
• Maintain clear sightlines to a shared video wall
• Balance customization with a tight budget for a brand-new program

The Solution:

• Workstations: Single-surface tables with CPU hangers (more personal space + tighter overall footprint)
• Capacity: 7 operator stations + 1 supervisor station with clear oversight
• Visibility: Aligned bays and desk orientation to maintain sightlines to the video wall
• Branding: Lit acrylic logo panels for immediate identity and team pride
• Monitors: Configurable mounts to test stacked vs. side-by-side layouts before finalizing
• Budget Fit: Feature prioritization (e.g., arcs without Rollervision, initially) to meet budget now and enable upgrades later

The Designer:

Initial Design

The project began with a request for six dual-surface workstations with CPU cabinets. To explore options, Xybix provided two layout concepts, one featuring the requested dual-surface desks and another showcasing single-surface tables with CPU hangers. This “compromise” not only offered a distinct footprint for the room but also gave each operator more personal space, setting the stage for collaborative design discussions.

First Round of Revisions

After the space was verified, wall constraints limited how the workstations could be arranged. To adapt, Xybix developed three new layout options featuring 3 - 4 desks in a mix of single and dual-surface configurations. At the same time, Percepto emphasized the importance of reinforcing their brand, leading to the integration of lit acrylic accents into the updated designs.

Second Round of Revisions

As a preferred layout was chosen, the projected shifted, Percepto needed more operator stations and decided to incorporate a dedicated monitor wall. The original room proved too small to accommodate both features, prompting a move to a larger space. At the same time, project ownership transitioned from consultant to Vanessa, the operations center manager, who stepped in to guide the next phase of design.

Final Designs:

You can view a full gallery of the finished Percepto Drone Operations Center
+ download a detailed copy of the project design renderings here:

Key design features that support teamwork and operator experience:

• Move-friendly seating and station swap flexibility
• Shared sightlines to the video wall for situational awareness
• Ergonomic sit-to-stand to reduce fatigue during long missions
• Personalized task lighting and environmental control to keep operators alert
• Branded details and operator input gave the team true ownership of the space

Budget, Efficiency, and Future-Proofing

Xybix and Percepto co-prioritized features to deliver under budget without sacrificing performance.

• Right-now essentials: capacity, sightlines, monitor flexibility
• Deferred upgrades: certain platform components (e.g., Roller Vision) slated for phase-two if needed
• Outcome: A fully customized, mission-ready ROC with a clear path to scale
  
  

Results at a glance:

• Align on vision early with leadership - purpose, brand, feel
• Engage operators - test monitor layouts & workflows before you buy
• Design for collaboration - pair work, shared situational awareness
• Prioritize features now, keep a runway for upgrades later
• Protect sightlines to shared displays

You can download a portfolio of our favorite command center installs here.

Remodeling or creating a control room? Let’s design it together!