Flyability launches the Elios 3, an indoor LiDAR drone for Industry 4.0

On May 19, 2022, Flyability introduced the Elios 3, a groundbreaking drone that is the first of its kind to combine collision tolerance with a LiDAR sensor for precise indoor 3D mapping. This innovative device features a new SLAM engine called FlyAwareâ„¢, which enables real-time 3D modeling during flight. Alongside this, Flyability launched Inspector 4.0, an advanced software tailored for inspectors to streamline their workflow and enhance data analysis.

Since its inception in 2016, Flyability has been at the forefront of confined space inspection technology. The launch of the Elios 3 continues the company’s mission to develop cutting-edge solutions that keep human workers out of hazardous environments while performing complex inspections. With industries increasingly relying on drones for efficiency, the need for reliable, consistent, and stable tools has never been greater.

The Elios 3 was designed with industry needs in mind. It offers exceptional stability, a modular payload system, and the ability to generate real-time 3D models while flying. These features make it ideal for inspecting hard-to-reach or dangerous areas, ensuring safer and more efficient operations across multiple sectors.

"The Elios 3 represents a major leap forward in industrial inspection technology," said Patrick Thévoz, co-founder and CEO of Flyability. "With its advanced stabilization, real-time 3D mapping, and customizable design, it's a game-changer for Industry 4.0. It makes inspections not only safer but also faster and more cost-effective."

Equipped with an Ouster OS0-32 LiDAR sensor, the Elios 3 allows users to create high-accuracy 3D models using GeoSLAM's software. This partnership enhances the drone's capabilities, enabling professionals to map even the most inaccessible locations with precision. In addition to the LiDAR sensor, the Elios 3 can support a second payload, making it highly adaptable to different user requirements.

Powered by FlyAwareâ„¢, the Elios 3's proprietary SLAM engine processes LiDAR data in real time, turning raw information into detailed 3D models as the drone flies. This system also improves the drone's stability by integrating data from three optical cameras and the LiDAR sensor, allowing it to detect and correct minor movements automatically. This level of precision makes the Elios 3 easy to operate, even for new pilots who can complete their first inspection on the same day they receive training.

With Inspector 4.0, users can now visualize Points of Interest (POIs) on a high-resolution 3D map using the 3D Map Viewer feature. This tool allows stakeholders to navigate through digital representations of their assets, making it easier to identify and address defects. This innovation supports better planning, monitoring, and maintenance across various industries.

"The Elios 3 is the most ambitious project we've ever taken on," said Adrien Briod, CTO of Flyability. "If the Elios 2 was like a basic flip phone, the Elios 3 is a smartphone—highly customizable, versatile, and built to grow with future advancements in payloads and software."

Flyability spent four years developing the Elios 3, conducting extensive research and field testing. Engineers completed over 200 missions to gather feedback, refine the technology, and ensure the drone is the most reliable solution for indoor inspections. The company also collaborated with top universities, including Team Cerberus, which won DARPA’s Sub-T challenge for autonomous robotics in underground environments.

For more information about the Elios 3, visit flyability.com or follow @fly_ability on social media.

About Flyability

Flyability is a pioneer in confined space inspection drones, offering remote data collection solutions that eliminate the need for human entry into hazardous environments. Since launching in 2014, the company has become a trusted provider of internal inspection systems, helping professionals improve safety, reduce downtime, and cut costs. With offices in Switzerland, China, Singapore, and the U.S., Flyability serves over 1,000 clients across 60 countries. The company operates in key industries such as Power Generation, Oil & Gas, Mining, Wastewater Infrastructure, Chemicals, Maritime, and Infrastructure & Utilities.

For more details, visit flyability.com or contact us at info@flyability.com or +41 21 311 55 00.

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