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Why We Made the Elios 3
The first time I witnessed the Elios 3 in action was during a visit to the deepest mine in the world, located at the Kidd Mine in Timmins, Canada. I was there alongside UAS Inc., a leading company in drone-based mining surveys, to test a prototype of the Elios 3 in a real-world mining environment.
Hearing about the drone's impressive features—like its ability to generate 3D maps in real time and its exceptional stability, which keeps footage rock-steady—is one thing, but seeing it operate firsthand was another experience entirely. I wanted to observe how the Elios 3 performed and how its advanced capabilities could transform mining operations.
That morning, we descended 4,600 feet in the mine’s cage and found a suitable gallery to conduct our test flights. My colleague Johan Mlouka prepared the Elios 3 for flight, and immediately, the live 3D map displayed on his tablet provided a clear view of the drone's surroundings. This level of situational awareness allowed him to navigate the drone effectively without needing to constantly check its position.
Flying BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) is a hallmark of Flyability drones, and the Elios 3 continues this tradition. Designed specifically for confined spaces, it operates in areas that are either unsafe or inaccessible for humans. With the Elios 2, pilots relied on live video feeds to guide their flights. The Elios 3 takes this a step further with its live 3D mapping, enabling pilots to fly using a real-time 3D model of the environment.
During our session at the Kidd Mine, the Elios 3's live 3D models gave us critical insight into the conditions within a stope, helping assess the stability of the mine. We also tested the drone in dusty conditions, showcasing its resilience in tough environments.
What struck me most about the Elios 3 was its reliability and ease of use. It felt like a tool you could depend on to deliver the data you needed, moving beyond being a novelty to becoming a mature, practical solution. Just like how smartphones have become indispensable tools for so many aspects of our lives, the Elios 3 worked seamlessly, allowing me to focus solely on the task at hand.
### Three Key Insights About the Elios 3
The development of the Elios 3 represents the largest project Flyability has ever undertaken. Four years ago, we partnered with top universities worldwide to explore autonomy in robotics. This collaboration led to our participation in Team Cerberus, which won DARPA’s Sub-T Challenge for autonomous robotics in underground environments. Alongside this, countless hours ofè‡ªä¸»ç ”å‘ went into creating both the hardware and software for the Elios 3.
Despite all this innovation happening in labs, the Elios 3 was truly built in the field. Over 200 missions similar to the one at Kidd Mine were conducted to rigorously test the drone in real-world industrial settings. Through this extensive fieldwork, we identified three key insights about what our clients value most in inspection technology.
#### 1. Reliability is Essential
For inspection professionals, the reliability of their tools is paramount. We ensured that the Elios 3’s hardware and onboard intelligence were robust enough to function flawlessly every time they were needed.
#### 2. Ease of Use Drives Adoption
To scale our impact, we aimed to make the Elios 3 simple enough for anyone to use effectively after minimal training. This commitment to usability is evident in how intuitive the drone is to operate.
#### 3. Customization for Industry-Specific Needs
Flyability’s indoor drones serve multiple industries, including oil and gas, power generation, mining, and more. Each industry has distinct inspection requirements. Instead of focusing on a one-size-fits-all approach, we designed the Elios 3 as a highly modular platform, capable of integrating with diverse sensors and adapting to various technological ecosystems.
If the Elios 2 was akin to a classic flip phone, the Elios 3 is a modern smartphone—versatile and adaptable to meet individual needs. This flexibility means the Elios 3 is just the beginning; we’re already enhancing it further through ongoing hardware and software improvements tailored to client-specific applications.
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### Deep Dive Into the Elios 3’s Features
Let’s explore the standout features that make the Elios 3 a game-changer in confined space inspections:
#### FlyAwareâ„¢
One of the most innovative aspects of the Elios 3 is FlyAwareâ„¢, our proprietary SLAM engine housed within the drone. While you won't see FlyAwareâ„¢ on the surface, it powers the drone's unparalleled stability, 3D mapping, and reporting capabilities.
##### Stability
FlyAware™ combines data from optical cameras and a LiDAR sensor to detect even the slightest movements and adjust the drone’s flight path accordingly. This results in unmatched stability, allowing the Elios 3 to remain stationary even in challenging environments like dusty, reflective, or windy spaces.
##### 3D Live Mapping
The Elios 3’s 3D Live Map feature empowers pilots with real-time situational awareness. As the drone flies, its LiDAR sensor creates a centimeter-accurate map of the inspected area, helping pilots navigate complex environments effortlessly.
Watch this video showcasing a 3D fly-through of a “no-go†zone in a decommissioned nuclear plant:
[YouTube Video Embed]
##### 3D Reporting
Through Inspector 4.0, the Elios 3 supports detailed 3D reporting. Pilots can mark points of interest during flights, which are then visualized in high-resolution 3D maps upon docking. This helps inspectors document findings accurately and plan repairs efficiently.
##### Automation-Ready
FlyAwareâ„¢ is designed to evolve, paving the way for fully autonomous inspections in the future. Our team is actively working on expanding its capabilities to enable unprecedented levels of automation.
#### Collision-Resilient Design
The Elios 3 inherits Flyability’s patented collision-resistant flight controller. Its unique cage and reversing motors ensure the drone remains operational even if flipped upside-down. Moreover, its rugged IP-44 design ensures durability in harsh conditions.
#### Close-Up Inspection Payload
The Elios 3 excels in close-up inspections, offering crystal-clear image quality in complete darkness. Its redesigned payload and cage provide a 180° field of view, eliminating obstructed views. Equipped with a 4K camera, thermal imaging, and advanced lighting systems, the drone captures intricate details with precision.
#### Modular Payload Bay
To cater to diverse industry needs, the Elios 3 features a modular payload bay. Currently supporting the OS0-32 LiDAR sensor from Ouster, future payload options are in development to address specialized applications.
#### 3D Surveying with GeoSLAM
In partnership with GeoSLAM, users can create survey-grade 3D models from Elios 3 data. These models support precise measurements and stockpile assessments across industries like mining and utilities.
The Elios 3 is set to revolutionize inspection practices globally. Join us at our upcoming demo days worldwide to experience its potential firsthand.