How Voliro’s Drones Are Transforming High-Risk Industrial Inspections
Drones are no longer just futuristic gadgets—they’re rapidly becoming indispensable tools across industries. From infrastructure inspections to hazardous environment assessments, their potential is vast. At the forefront of this revolution is Voliro, a Swiss startup spun out of ETH Zurich, pioneering flying robots designed to perform high-risk inspections with unmatched precision and safety.
The Problem: Dangerous and Costly Industrial Inspections
Inspecting infrastructure like wind turbines, flare stacks, and overwater structures has traditionally required human workers to operate at dangerous heights or in extreme conditions. These inspections are not only risky but also costly, often causing significant downtime for industrial operations.
- Safety risks: Workers face hazards like falls, extreme temperatures, and unstable structures.
- Operational delays: Traditional inspections require scaffolding, cooling periods, and manual labor, leading to days or even weeks of downtime.
- High costs: Delays and labor-intensive processes drive up expenses for companies.
Voliro’s Solution: Flying Robots with Advanced Capabilities
Voliro’s drones are engineered to tackle these challenges head-on. Unlike conventional drones, they combine 360-degree maneuverability with specialized sensors to perform tasks like:
- Dry film thickness measurements
- Corrosion detection
- Heat-resistant inspections
Their secret? A tiltable rotor system, developed at ETH Zurich, which allows the drones to apply pressure, cling to surfaces, and inspect ceilings without losing stability.
Key Advantages Over Traditional Methods:
- Speed: Inspections that took days now take minutes.
- Safety: Eliminates the need for human workers in high-risk environments.
- Cost-efficiency: Reduces downtime and operational disruptions.
Why Voliro’s CEO Avoids the ‘Lives Saved’ Narrative
Florian Gutzwiller, Voliro’s CEO, is pragmatic about the impact of his company’s technology. While an American CEO might tout daily life-saving feats, Gutzwiller—true to his Swiss roots—focuses on productivity and efficiency gains.
“I’m Swiss. If I were an American CEO, I would say we are saving lives every day, but I think it’s too aggressive.” — Florian Gutzwiller
Instead, he highlights real-world benefits, like inspecting a flare stack in 20 minutes instead of shutting it down for days—a game-changer for clients like Chevron and Holcim.
Standing Out in a Competitive Market
Voliro isn’t alone in this space. Compe*****s like Avestec, Flyability, and Skygauge also offer inspection drones. However, Voliro’s versatile hardware and ETH Zurich-backed innovation give it a competitive edge.
- 360-degree mobility: Unique tiltable rotors enable unmatched maneuverability.
- Multi-sensor compatibility: Supports third-party sensors for expanded use cases.
- B2B subscription model: Ensures clients always have access to the latest upgrades.
From ETH Zurich to Global Expansion
Voliro’s journey began in ETH Zurich’s Autonomous Systems Lab, where its core rotor technology was developed. The company spun out in 2019, launching commercially in 2022. Today, it operates on a subscription-based model, providing recurring revenue to fuel R&D and scalability.
Recent Funding and Growth
Despite a tough fundraising climate for robotics startups, Voliro recently secured $12 million in a Series A round led by Cherry Ventures, bringing total funding to $22 million. This capital will drive expansion into sectors like oil and gas, energy, and industrial maintenance.
The Future: Beyond Inspections
Voliro isn’t stopping at inspections. The company is exploring:
- Autonomous repairs: Robots that can remove rust or apply coatings.
- Third-party sensor integration: Expanding detection capabilities for corrosion and structural flaws.
With its cutting-edge technology and pragmatic leadership, Voliro is poised to redefine industrial safety and efficiency—one flight at a time.
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