The first time I saw the Elios 3 in action was deep underground, in the world’s deepest mine. It was at the Kidd Mine in Timmins, Canada, where we were testing a prototype of the Elios 3 alongside UAS Inc., one of the top companies for drone-based mining surveys.
It's one thing to hear about a drone's capabilities—like real-time 3D mapping or exceptional stability—but it's another to witness it in action. I was there to see how the Elios 3 performed and what new possibilities it could bring to mining operations.
That morning, we descended 4,600 feet in a mining elevator and found a suitable area for test flights. My colleague Johan Mlouka armed the Elios 3 and began flying. Right away, the live 3D map on his tablet gave him full situational awareness, allowing him to navigate without even looking at the drone.
This is a key feature of Flyability drones: many missions are conducted beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). The Elios 3, like its predecessor, is designed for confined spaces where human entry is unsafe or impractical. With the Elios 2, pilots relied on live video feeds, but the Elios 3 adds real-time 3D mapping, giving operators a more intuitive way to navigate.
During the test, the Elios 3 created detailed 3D models of a stope—a large chamber left after excavation—which helped assess the mine's stability and safety. We also flew through extremely dusty areas, pushing the drone to its limits.
What stood out wasn’t just the features, but the reliability of the Elios 3. It felt like a tool that had evolved from a novelty into something dependable. It worked so seamlessly that you almost forgot you were flying a drone, focusing instead on the task at hand.
Over the past four years, Flyability has invested heavily in the Elios 3, collaborating with top universities and participating in challenges like DARPA’s Sub-T. We conducted over 200 field tests in harsh environments to ensure it met real-world needs.
From this work, we identified three major insights:
1. **Reliability Is Key** – Inspectors need tools they can trust.
2. **Ease of Use Drives Adoption** – The Elios 3 is designed to be simple enough for anyone to use quickly.
3. **Industry-Specific Needs Matter** – The Elios 3 is modular, adapting to different industries with custom hardware and software.
One of the most groundbreaking features of the Elios 3 is **FlyAwareâ„¢**, a proprietary SLAM engine that powers its stability, 3D mapping, and future automation. It processes data from LiDAR and optical sensors to create ultra-accurate maps in real time, making navigation easier and safer.
With 3D reporting via Inspector 4.0, users can mark points of interest during flights and review them in high-resolution 3D models. This helps teams plan repairs and understand asset conditions more effectively.
The Elios 3 is not only durable and collision-resilient but also equipped with a high-quality camera system, including a 4K lens and thermal imaging, making it ideal for close-up inspections in low-light conditions.
We’ve also partnered with GeoSLAM to offer survey-grade 3D models, useful for mining, infrastructure, and more.
The Elios 3 represents a major step forward in drone technology, offering reliability, ease of use, and adaptability. It’s more than just a drone—it’s a powerful tool for professionals working in challenging environments.
Join us as we take the Elios 3 on the road! Check our demo days to see it in action near you.
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