In the world of industrial inspection and 3D modeling, technology has advanced rapidly. One of the most impressive innovations in recent years is the ELIOS 3, a drone developed by Flyability, a Swiss company specializing in solutions for confined and hard-to-reach environments. In Brazil, XD4Solutions is the official representative of Flyability, providing technical support, training, and sales of this incredible technology.
But how exactly does the ELIOS 3 achieve such precise 3D mapping? And why has it become a global benchmark in this field?
Let’s explore every aspect of this powerful tool and how it can transform your operations.
A New Era of Inspection with the ELIOS 3
The ELIOS 3 is more than just a drone. It is a complete 3D data collection system, equipped with advanced sensors and mapping software that delivers detailed and highly accurate visualizations of internal structures, even in harsh conditions.
Key components of the ELIOS 3 include:
LIDAR SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) for autonomous navigation
4K camera with powerful LED lights for dark environments
Time-of-Flight (ToF) distance sensor
Protective collision-proof cage
These technologies work together to provide real-time, navigable 3D models with a high level of detail, without endangering human operators.
LIDAR and SLAM: The Core of 3D Mapping
The main differentiator of the ELIOS 3 is its LIDAR system combined with SLAM, which allows the drone to scan its environment while in flight and simultaneously build a faithful 3D model of the physical space.
This process happens in real time:
The LIDAR emits thousands of laser pulses per second
The pulses bounce off surrounding surfaces and return with distance data
The SLAM algorithm processes this information to build a map
At the same time, it uses the map to localize itself and adjust its flight path
In practice, this means the ELIOS 3 can operate with extreme precision even in GPS-denied environments such as tunnels, silos, boilers, industrial chimneys, and pipelines.
Applications of 3D Mapping with ELIOS 3
The range of use cases is broad and spans several industries. Some of the most common applications include:
Mining Inspection
Mapping of underground galleries
Structural assessment of excavations
Energy Sector
Inspection of boilers and turbines
Integrity analysis in radioactive environments
Oil and Gas Industry
Internal visualization of tanks and pipelines
Inspection on FPSOs and refineries
Construction and Engineering
Scanning buildings for retrofitting
Structure verification in hard-to-access areas
Public Safety and Civil Defense
Assessment of collapsed structures
Search and rescue in hazardous environments
Each of these applications benefits from 3D mapping without the need to dismantle structures, saving time, resources, and lives.
Centimeter-Level Accuracy with FlyAware™
Flyability developed FlyAware, the embedded localization and mapping system in the ELIOS 3 that provides ready-to-use data for engineering software like Pix4D and Bentley ContextCapture.
You can export the data in formats such as:.LAS.PLY.E57
This allows engineers to create detailed 3D models and use them for measurements, analyses, and precise technical reports.
Real-Time Mapping and Post-Processing
With the ELIOS 3, the operator can watch the map being built in real time during the flight. This allows quick route adjustments and ensures that all critical areas are scanned. After the mission, the data can be processed using advanced tools to generate:
3D point clouds
Thermal maps
Models for BIM inspections
This workflow significantly reduces the time between data collection and the delivery of technical reports, speeding up decision-making.
Exclusive Benefits of the ELIOS 3
Safety Reduces human exposure to dangerous environments
Efficiency No need for scaffolding, ladders, or operational shutdowns
Cost Savings Lowers operational and maintenance costs
Precision Gathers 3D data with centimeter-level accuracy
Scalability Ideal for both small and large-scale industrial operations
3D mapping with the ELIOS 3 marks a significant leap forward for any company seeking safety, precision, and efficiency in technical inspections. With the combination of cutting-edge hardware and intelligent software, it doesn’t just replace traditional methods it reinvents them.
If you want to transform your inspections and take a step forward in technological innovation, the ELIOS 3 is the way to go.
💥 Buy from Brazil’s Leading Drone Inspection Experts
At XD4Solutions, we offer authorized sales, expert technical support, hands-on training, and everything your company needs to operate the ELIOS 3 with excellence.
Contact XD4Solutions and schedule a demo today
