Indoor Drone Inspections: Significant Progress Made Over the Last Year

One year ago, Flyability introduced its groundbreaking drone, the Elios 2. Since then, we've been eager to understand how this innovation has been received by users and what impact it has had in the field. In this article, we take a closer look at the progress made in industrial drone use throughout 2019 and share initial feedback from industries, users, and pilots who have been using the Elios 2 for several months now.

2019 – A Turning Point for Robotics in Industrial Inspections

Looking back, 2019 marked a significant shift in the adoption of robotics for inspections. More and more large industrial companies are integrating drones into their operations. As reported by Bloomberg in an article titled "Drones Do Deadly Work So You Don’t Have To," companies like Dow, At&T, BASF, and Shell are using drones to protect workers from dangerous environments while also cutting down on inspection costs. We’re especially proud to see the growing role of drones in confined space inspections. In 2019, Dow announced that they eliminated 1,000 confined space entries thanks to robotic solutions, and LafargeHolcim included drones as a key part of its “Plants of Tomorrow” initiative. For Flyability, 2019 was all about the launch of the Elios 2. Designed for a wide range of indoor applications, this drone empowers even new users to operate with confidence. The Elios 2 represents a major leap forward in indoor inspection technology, with features like oblique lighting, distance lock, and user-friendly design developed directly based on feedback from professionals across multiple industries.

2020 and Beyond – How Drones Are Shaping Inspections Today

Over the past year, many of our customers have shared inspiring stories of success and efficiency. Here are some of the most notable examples:

Oil & Gas / Maritime

Bureau Veritas France used the Elios 2 to inspect a ballast tank for Total. The result? A faster and safer inspection with high-quality HD footage available after the mission.

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Power Generation

Exelon Clearsight used the Elios 2 to significantly reduce time spent in hazardous, radioactive spaces. What once took two days was completed in just four hours. Read the full story here.

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They also used the Elios 2 to safely inspect a coal power station’s filtration system during maintenance, reducing inspection time from 120 hours to just 8 hours. Read the full case study.

Maritime

Our US partner MFE Rentals conducted a ballast tank inspection using the Elios 2. One pilot completed the task in three ten-minute flights, whereas traditionally it would require three to four inspectors with ropes, oxygen monitoring, and safety gear. The caged drone’s collision tolerance and onboard lighting allowed safe and efficient navigation without external lighting.

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Indoor Photogrammetry – Mining & Beyond

UAS Inc., a mining inspection company, used the Elios 2 for underground photogrammetry. Many users have praised the drone for its ability to perform detailed scans in dark and GPS-denied environments.

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Drone Usage and Development

Many asset owners are seeing a quick return on investment with just a few missions per month. In a survey of 250 Elios 1 and 2 users, 45% performed 2–5 missions monthly, while 41% did less than two.

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According to the same study, 85% of respondents expect increased use of indoor drone inspections in the next five years, and 73% plan to expand their drone fleets accordingly.

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