Skydio 3D Scan Introduces Autonomous Drone Inspection

Skydio, the U.S. drone manufacturer and leader in autonomous flight technology has announced the general availability of its adaptive scanning software, Skydio 3D Scan. 3D Scan extends Skydio’s groundbreaking autonomous flight engine with advanced artificial intelligence (AI) skills that automate photographic data collection and mapping tasks ranging from infrastructure asset inspection to crime and accident scene reconstruction.

3D Scan Makes Inspection Tasks up to 75% Faster

Drones have emerged as a valuable tool to conduct visual inspections and gather critical data. But the complexity, crash risk, and training costs of manual drones have greatly limited their ability to generate useful data. These capture workflows are especially critical as the industry transitions from providing inspection reports consisting of handwritten notes and photographs of structures to fully immersive, annotated 3D models that enable measurements and continuous status tracking. Manual drones require cumbersome mission planning, constant access to GPS, and intense focus from an elite pilot to avoid collisions – when inspection teams should be focused on how to capture the best data instead.

3D Scan automates data capture for asset inspection and scene reconstruction, allowing any inspector, surveyor, or first responder to efficiently capture a complete photographic dataset that documents every angle of a scene, ensuring accurate coverage with sub-millimeter precision in a fraction of the time while greatly reducing risk. This revolutionary technology ushers in a new age of autonomous inspection. Specifically, 3D Scan will improve:

Rapid Field Assessment. Generates photosets in minutes and enables intelligent photo browsing in the field for real-time inspection and decision-making.

Digital Twin Generation. Provides data for 3D models of key assets and scenes that can enable up-to-date status tracking and integration in VR, game engines, and cultural heritage sites.

Inspection Reporting. Inspections performed by Drone Service Providers can standardize to the highest standard of quality and coverage.

Crime and Accident Scene Reconstruction. More rapid and complete documentation clears scenes faster while generating complete virtual records.

“We are extremely excited about the value that 3D Scan delivers. Manual drones lack the ability to see and understand the 3D nature of the world and, as a result, can’t provide a scalable solution to replace traditional methods of inspection.  With 3D Scan we are turning Skydio drones into intelligent scanning robots that can build real-time flight plans optimized to each scene, and generate the best possible photographic datasets.” comments Hayk Martiros, VP of Autonomy, Skydio.

3D Scan is adaptive mapping software that extends Skydio’s flight autonomy engine to generate tailored inspection flight paths in real time for digitization of any asset or scene. The technology  comes to market battle-tested after months of trials with leading organizations. Early access participants have reported up to 75% faster data capture, 50% greater inspection team output, and 30% lower reinspection rates (needing to refly the structure due to incomplete data on the first attempt) during the trial period.

“We have been amazed by the results we achieved using 3D Scan during the Early Access Program. Our teams will be able to get in the field faster and better serve our clients through the business development, operations, and close-out processes.” states Dean Miller, Virtual Construction Engineer, Sundt Construction.

For more information: www.skydio.com