LiDAR & Visual Inspections
One Flight, Two Inspections.
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We enable clients to visualize their assets in ways that have previously not been feasible. Aethon's ability to co-collect and rapidly deliver imagery better than 1cm resolution along with high quality LiDAR data products changes what is possible for utilities.
Coupling industry leading LiDAR with our Autonomous Image Capture (AIC) sensor enhances the effectiveness of aerial inspection and LiDAR projects. Utilities can accomplish their asset inspection and vegetation management objectives more efficiently by reducing the required flight hours.
Aethon's co-collection solution, underpinned by our proprietary AIC, is game changer.
Helicopter AIC
For helicopter-based LiDAR projects, our Helios system uses utility specific Riegl laser scanners, integrated with customer specific image sensors. The Helios system is designed to operate in conjunction with the AIC system on the same flights to collect autonomous high resolution (<5mm) inspection grade imagery.
The Helios and AIC systems can be quickly and efficiently installed on almost any available helicopter as the systems mount directly to existing STC approved camera mounts.
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Aethon currently deploys helicopter systems around the world to capture high resolution inspection images and dense LiDAR data-sets.
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​Proprietary AIC camera gimbal allows for the simultaneous inspection-grade imagery capture during flight without manual input.
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AIC gimbals can be combined with LiDAR systems to co-collect wide range data coverage for clients.
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Inspection Imagery can be acquired, processed, reviewed and delivered back to client within days.
AIC Capabilities
The AIC enables utility professionals to pre-program their capture mission profile prior to flight initiation. The structure image requirements and profiles are customizable to be configured to unique client requirements.
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Photos can be acquired from 500ft – 1000ft AGL
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Photos typically taken 40 mph, without the need to hover
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Upwards of 1,000 Distribution Poles and 300 Transmission Structures captured per system per day
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20x as many inspections can be completed with the AIC compared to traditional methods
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Reduces up to 90% of field staff requirements, thereby improving safety and costs
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Delivers pixel resolution of 1-2mm compared to typical RFP specifications of 2cm
Immediate AIC Benefits
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Detect potential risks in advance
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Reduce costs and save time
Future AIC Benefits
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Accelerate training of AI tools
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High-quality data reliability
LiDAR Technology
Our expertise in LiDAR is based upon more than two decades of partnership and technical collaboration with Riegl Measurement Systems Inc. and Applanix Inc., leaders in commercial LiDAR and inertial measurement solutions.
In 2021 Aethon used its proprietary, automated aerial sensors to inspect over 250,000 utility poles and performed engineering and vegetation LiDAR surveys on over 40,000KM of transmission and distribution lines. This was achieved using fixed wing aircraft and helicopters.
HeliosViewer
Our piloted and remotely piloted aircraft solutions incorporate advanced LiDAR sensors and image stabilized fused sensor payloads that deliver data to advanced web-based AI and machine learning algorithms, analytics, and business software focused on the needs of power utilities.