Overview
Voliro, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is a leading company in the field of advanced aerial mobile robotics. Since its establishment in 2016 as a spinoff from the Autonomous Systems Lab at ETH Zurich, the company has specialized in inspection, maintenance, and repair tasks conducted at height. It serves various industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, wind, cement, mining, and infrastructure, by providing cutting-edge solutions.
Key Developments and Offerings
- Product Innovations: Voliro has developed a line of highly agile aerial robots equipped to operate in GPS-denied environments. Their drones are capable of rotating up to 90 degrees and feature multiple sensors, including those for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT), to perform precise inspections in high-risk areas.
- Voliro T Drone: Introduced in 2022, this flagship product is designed for automated inspections with advanced functionality and efficiency. The Voliro T (Version 5) represents five years of development and rigorous field-testing.
- Aerial Mobility and Interaction: Offers 360° aerial maneuverability and can apply a consistent force of up to 30 N, aiding stable interaction and contact-based inspections across various industrial facilities.
- Global Reach and Impact: Operating in 17 countries, Voliro conducts around 100 inspections each month, significantly enhancing safety, reducing inspection times, and minimizing costs for clients.
Financial and Strategic Milestones
- Funding: In October 2024, Voliro secured $12 million in Series A funding to expand its industrial inspection capabilities utilizing advanced aerial robotics.
- Strategic Partnerships: The company has established collaborations with global leaders in the NDT industry, such as Mistras, Acuren, and Team Inc., strengthening its pioneering status in the industry.
Leadership Team
- Florian Gutzwiller: CEO since 2022, previously served as an investor and Entrepreneur in Residence.
- Timo Müller: COO and Co-founder, pivotal in the technological development of Voliro's products.
- Dr. Marius Fehr: CTO and Co-founder, notable for his leadership in engineering innovation.
- Simon Furer: CFO, recognized for his strategic financial leadership in project development.
- Johan Mlouka: VP of Sales, plays a crucial role in expanding Voliro's market presence.
Achievements and Recognition
- Voliro was named one of the "10 most innovative companies in robotics of 2023" by Fast Company.
- Awarded the Swiss Economic Award in 2024, highlighting its growth and innovation in the robotics field.
Competitors
Voliro competes with several prominent companies in the aerial robotics and drone inspection sector:
- Scout Drone Inspection: Specializes in industrial inspection drones.
- Flybotix: Focuses on cost-efficient indoor inspection solutions with minimal shutdown periods.
- Avestec Technologies: Provides intelligent flying robots for NDT in hazardous environments, emphasizing safety.
- ANYbotics: Known for mobility and interaction technology in challenging terrains.
- Flyability: Innovates in confined space inspection drones, increasing safety and reducing downtime.
- Skydio: Distinguished for autonomous flight technology, widely applied in inspections.
Industry Applications
Voliro’s technology finds application in:
- Oil and Gas: Improves inspection efficiency with drone-based NDT.
- Cement Manufacturing: Speeds up maintenance operations and inspections.
- Power and Utilities: Enhances worker safety, operational efficiency, and data quality in plants.
Through ongoing commitment to research and innovation, Voliro continues to enhance the landscape of aerial robotics within industrial applications, delivering improved safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness to its clientele.
