Drone conducts measurement flights in cement works
A special drone from the start-up Voliro carried out a successful measurement flight in the Holcim cement plant in Siggenthal. The use of such a drone for maintenance work at great heights is considered a world first, according to Holcim.
An important milestone was reached this week at the Holcim cement plant in Siggenthal. After several years of research, the special drone from the Zurich start-up Voliro carried out its first official measurement flight campaign there. According to a press release, important measurements were taken to determine the steel wall thicknesses of the cement kiln and the cyclone preheater.
Voliro, a spin-off from the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich ( ETH ), specializes in the development of flying robots for the inspection and maintenance of industrial plants. Your drones can be equipped with different sensors and carry out visual as well as thermal and contact-based measurements. A special feature of the drones is that they can rotate around all axes thanks to a special rotor system, which allows them to maneuver in vertical positions and even upside down. Thanks to the 360-degree design, they are also suitable for use when taking measurements on curved and inclined surfaces.
According to the press release, the use of such special drones at great heights is considered a world first. The method saved both time and money. The use of drones also increases work safety.
According to the information, Holcim has been accompanying Voliro's product development since 2019. The global cement company from Zug is making its infrastructure in Siggenthal available to the start-up for test flights and supporting it with its specialist knowledge.