The drone’s Return-to-Signal feature, or RTS, also enables it to retrace its flight path if the live video feed or radio signal drops.
This means it can safely retreat to the pilot’s location, mitigating the danger of losing a valuable asset in complex environments.
Field tests of the drone and industry feedback
Josh Hogan, a site supervisor for a green energy services group in California, has used Elios 3 to inspect wind turbines. “So far I think it catches more—you really don’t miss anything with that drone,” Hogan says, comparing it to traditional manual inspections.
“With the drone you get video, you could see a lot more detail than a human going down there with a flashlight and possibly missing something that’s crucial.”