Flyability and Mirion Technologies Unveil Revolutionary Radiation Surveying Payload for Elios 3 Indoor Inspection Drone
Flyability, a leading provider of indoor drone solutions, has teamed up with Mirion Technologies, a prominent company specializing in radiation detection solutions, to introduce an exceptional radiation surveying payload for the Elios 3 indoor inspection drone. This groundbreaking collaboration integrates Mirion's RDS-32™ radiation survey meter with Flyability's Elios 3, enabling users to map their surroundings while collecting radiological data and accurately localize it within a high-resolution 3D model of their asset.
The integration of this new product positions the Elios 3 as the first commercially available drone capable of conducting remotely operated indoor radiation surveying and localization. It provides nuclear personnel with a safe means of gathering crucial data without having to enter irradiated areas.
Patrick Thévoz, CEO of Flyability, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, "This collaboration between two industry leaders represents a significant step towards furthering the capabilities of Elios 3 and delivering comprehensive solutions in our primary markets. Extensive field testing conducted in nuclear facilities over the past few months has demonstrated the substantial contribution this product will make in advancing safety through robotics."
With the integration of the RDS-32 meter, Flyability has introduced a new widget on Cockpit, the piloting app for Elios 3, which provides the pilot with real-time readings of the sensor. This includes the current dose rate to identify radiation sources, cumulated dose for radiation planning, and measurement history to track measurement trends and locate areas with higher radiation levels. Additionally, the live map feature has been enhanced to colorize the drone's trajectory based on the radiation levels measured along its path.
Inspector, Flyability's data processing software, allows users to review every flight conducted with the radiation payload and generate comprehensive reports. The radiation data is presented conveniently on a 3D map of the asset, showcasing the drone's flight path, radiation levels recorded throughout the mission, cumulated dose over specific sections of the flight, and precise dose rates measured at points of interest.
Loic Eloy, Technologies Group President at Mirion Technologies, highlighted the significance of the partnership by stating, "By combining the accurate measurements of our RDS-32 survey meter with the accessibility of the Elios 3 drone, we have taken nuclear operator safety to the next level. We are proud to collaborate with Flyability and reinforce our commitment to advancing radiation safety through innovation."
The integration plan involved an extensive testing campaign at various nuclear sites in the United States and Europe. Radiological Protection Specialists and UAS Program Managers utilized the equipment for a range of missions, including monitoring hydraulic leaks, obtaining precise dose rates in specific areas to assess the feasibility of maintenance operations during online or lower-power states, and measuring dose rates near existing equipment to project the impact that replacement equipment would have on radiation levels.
