Regional Coverage
Regional Coverage
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Year: 2025
Radars are playing an increasingly pivotal role in advancing autonomous driving technology, with front and side radars forming essential components of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).
According to IDTechEx’s latest report, "Automotive Radar Market 2025-2045: Robotaxis & Autonomous Cars," innovations in radar technology are pushing autonomy to new levels, particularly with the growing adoption of Level 2+ systems in the US and Europe.
Front radars are fundamental for object detection, supporting key ADAS functions such as adaptive cruise control (ACC) and automatic emergency braking (AEB). The push to enhance front radar capabilities is driving innovation in the sector, with angular resolution and range emerging as top priorities. These improvements are expected to significantly refine vehicle automation and safety features, taking precedence over factors like field of view and compactness.
Side radars: improving blind spot detection
Side radars are primarily utilised for blind spot detection (BSD), with lane change assist (LCA) serving as an advanced extension of this technology. LCA helps vehicles assess approaching traffic before executing lane changes, enhancing overall safety. Cross-traffic alert (CTA) is another crucial function, particularly useful when reversing out of parking spaces. Additionally, junction pedestrian AEB combines input from front and side radars to detect pedestrians at intersections before a vehicle completes a turn, demonstrating the collaborative potential of radar systems in improving road safety.
Unlike front radars, side radars require a wide field of view to monitor the vehicle’s surroundings effectively. Compact design is also a priority, allowing for seamless integration into vehicles without compromising aesthetics or functionality. However, long-range detection is less critical for side radars, with an effective range of up to 50 metres being sufficient for their primary tasks.
IDTechEx describes Level 2+ as a bridge between Level 2 and Level 3 autonomy, allowing drivers to operate vehicles hands-free while maintaining focus on the road. This level of automation has gained significant momentum, particularly in the US, where Tesla’s ‘Full Self-Driving’ and Ford’s ‘BlueCruise’ systems are already in operation.
Following its European debut in 2023, Ford’s BlueCruise now operates in 15 countries, according to IDTechEx. Meanwhile, Tesla is targeting 2025 for the launch of fully self-driving vehicles in China, a move expected to accelerate the adoption of Level 2+ systems worldwide. The requirement for driver supervision in Level 2+ systems may be a key factor in their rising popularity over Level 3, as they provide a blend of automation and security, easing liability concerns for manufacturers.
4D radars and the path to higher autonomy
The future of vehicle autonomy hinges on the development of 4D and imaging radars, which offer enhanced elevation and azimuth resolution. These advanced radars will be instrumental in refining vehicle perception, enabling more precise planning and adaptive responses. As a result, they are expected to play a crucial role in facilitating the transition to Level 3 and Level 4 autonomy, bringing fully autonomous vehicles closer to reality.
With radar technology continuing to evolve, its role in autonomous driving is set to expand, reinforcing safety and accelerating the transition towards self-driving vehicles on a global scale.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2025
Omrania, part of the Egis Group, has announced the successful completion of the KAFD Fire Station, a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Saudi Arabia's King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD) that sets a new standard for fire station design as well as promoting firefighter wellbeing
The fire station is an essential emergency response facility and a model of innovation, integrating sustainability, functionality and health-conscious elements. The first LEED Platinum v4-certified fire station in the world, it sets new standards in emergency response infrastructure and energy efficiency. Designed with advanced safety systems, cutting-edge technologies, and a louvered glass façade illuminated by matrix LED lights, the facility is optimised for climate-conscious operations while enhancing firefighting capacity and public safety within the district.
As well as its striking architectural design with dynamic façade screen, the two-level structure has been meticulously designed with operational efficiency in mind. As a fire station within a high-rise district, particular attention has been given to the roof design. The green roof and photovoltaic panels enhance sustainability and reduce the visual impact of mechanical equipment, creating a clean, organised appearance that aligns with the overall aesthetic of the district.
Inside, the facility has been designed with a focus on occupant well-being. A minimalist yet robust interior aesthetic complements the operational needs of firefighters while ensuring long-term durability. In recognition of the intensive nature of firefighting, the station includes dedicated wellness and relaxation spaces, such as a gym, lounges and a central courtyard.
Marwan Bsaibes, managing principal at Omrania, said, "The completion of the KAFD Fire Station marks a milestone in sustainable and functional design. This project is a testament to Omrania’s commitment to delivering innovative and high-quality architecture that enhances the built environment while prioritising the well-being of its users."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Year: 2025
MSA Safety discusses the benefits of a layered defense incorporating both gas and flame detection for safety in industrial environments
In industrial settings, safety is paramount, especially in environments where flammable or toxic gases are present, such as the oil, gas and petrochemical industry.
A robust gas detection system is an important line of defense, but it is not the whole story. Integrating flame detection into your safety setup can create a safer and more reliable environment.
The role of gas and flame detection systems
Gas detection systems are designed to identify harmful gases in the air, whether combustible, toxic, or asphyxiating. They provide early warnings, helping to enable preventive action before conditions become dangerous. However, gas detection alone doesn’t account for what happens when a gas leak ignites.
Flame detection systems complement gas detectors by identifying the presence of fire, which may occur even where gas concentration hasn’t yet reached detectable levels. Together, these systems can contribute to a more comprehensive safety net that addresses both potential and actual hazards.
Why include flame detection in gas detection systems?
1. More comprehensive hazard mitigation
Gas detectors and flame detectors work hand-in-hand to prevent accidents and mitigate risks. While gas detectors alert you to the presence of a leak, flame detectors respond to fires that could result from undetected or ignited gases.
2. Faster response to fire emergencies
A gas leak can ignite in seconds, turning a potential hazard into an active emergency. Flame detectors react in real-time to the presence of a flame, helping to enable prompt action to contain the fire and prevent escalation.
3. Helps eliminate blind spots
Gas detection systems can only monitor specific zones. In scenarios where a leak occurs outside the detection range or a minor leak ignites directly, flame detectors can be an important second layer of protection.
4. Tailored for high-risk industries
In industries such as oil and gas, petrochemicals and manufacturing, the risk of fire due to flammable gases is ever present. Flame detection helps protect these high-stakes environments against both minor and catastrophic ignition events.
5. Meeting regulatory standards
Safety regulations often require both gas and flame detection systems for compliance. Adhering to these standards not only protects your team and assets but also ensures your operations meet legal and industry benchmarks.
6. Minimising damage and downtime
Early flame detection can activate suppression systems, limit the spread of fire, and enhance the safety of personnel. By containing incidents quickly, businesses can avoid costly equipment damage and extended downtime.
7. Enhanced operational safety and continuity
Combining gas and flame detection creates a more resilient safety framework that reduces the likelihood of accidents and enables a quicker recovery in the event of an incident. This reliability is key to maintaining trust and productivity.
A layered defense
Safety in industrial environments is not about choosing between gas or flame detection — it’s about understanding the benefits of both to build a layered defense.
While gas detectors prevent potential hazards by identifying leaks, flame detectors act as a safeguard when ignition occurs.
Safety managers may consider this combination a necessity in today’s high risk, high stakes industries. By integrating flame detection into your gas detection system, you help to ensure that your operations are protected from the full spectrum of potential hazards, safeguarding lives, assets, and your reputation.
MSA Safety is a North American manufacturer and supplier of safety equipment used in a range of hazardous environments, including construction, military, fire service, and chemical, oil, and gas production. The company has provided its products to sites all across the region, and also partnered with OSHA to highlight workplace safety in Houston.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2025
Doha, Qatar, has earned an impressive third-place ranking among 62 Asian cities in the 2025 Numbeo Quality of Life Index. This achievement highlights Doha’s evolution into a modern, globally competitive city that prioritises resident well-being.
The Numbeo index assesses cities based on factors such as purchasing power, safety, healthcare, cost of living, traffic, pollution, and climate.
Doha’s overall Quality of Life Index score reached 178.7, with a high purchasing power index of 151.8 and a strong safety score of 84.1. The city’s healthcare index stood at 73.4, while the cost of living remained relatively low at 47.8.
Other notable scores included a 6.2 Property Price to Income Ratio, 29.1 for Traffic Commute Time, 59.9 for Pollution, and 36.0 for Climate.
Doha follows only Abu Dhabi and Muscat in the rankings, a testament to Qatar’s strategic investments in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and sustainability. The city’s safety, healthcare facilities, and metro system contribute were evaluated to have contributed significantly to its high livability.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Year: 2025
The Gulf of America, historically known as the Gulf of Mexico, remains a crucial region for offshore energy production, with companies like bp leading the way in health, safety, and environmental (HSE) improvements.
In recent years, bp has taken significant steps to strengthen its safety culture, implement advanced technologies, and refine operational protocols to mitigate risks and enhance workplace safety.
bp’s approach to HSE in the Gulf of America is guided by its Operating Management System (OMS), which provides a consistent framework for managing health, safety, security, and environmental risks.
The OMS integrates bp’s safety leadership principles, the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers’ (IOGP) Life-Saving Rules, and process safety fundamentals. These elements collectively drive a strong safety culture, ensuring that best practices are embedded across BP’s operations.
To reinforce this culture, bp has prioritised psychological safety among its workforce. Employees in operations are encouraged to voice concerns and report potential hazards without fear of retaliation.
Training sessions have been expanded to help employees integrate safety principles into their daily routines, fostering a more open and proactive approach to risk management.
Life-saving rules and digital solutions
The IOGP Life-Saving Rules address high-risk activities that account for the majority of serious industry incidents.
Since their adoption, bp has measured their effectiveness, conducting site visits and safety audits to assess compliance.
In 2024, operational safety teams visited production sites in Azerbaijan, refining facilities in Spain, and terminals and pipelines in the US to ensure adherence to these critical safety measures.
Technology plays a pivotal role in bp’s HSE advancements. Digital solutions such as the IRIS system (for health, safety, security, and environment reporting) and the LENS platform (for learning and knowledge-sharing) have enhanced BP’s ability to standardise processes and collaborate across sites.
Additionally, the company has deployed Nova, an integrated management tool that helps monitor risk controls and enforce safety measures.
Despite bp’s efforts, the company faced challenges in 2024, reporting a fatality and several life-changing injuries across its global operations.
These incidents have reinforced the need for continuous improvement in safety protocols. To address these concerns, bp has focused on leveraging lessons learned to prevent future occurrences, including a renewed emphasis on safe manual handling procedures and emergency response preparedness.
Process safety remains a priority, with bp implementing stricter mechanical integrity frameworks in refining and production activities.
The company has also integrated IOGP’s Process Safety Fundamentals, ensuring that risk awareness and operational reliability are at the forefront of daily activities.
bp’s offshore operations in the Gulf of America benefit from enhanced monitoring and AI-driven solutions.
In drilling activities, bp uses advanced surveillance systems that allow experts in Houston and Sunbury to detect early warning signs of potential hazards, enabling timely intervention.
Additionally, bp’s US onshore subsidiary, bpx energy, has adopted AI-powered driving safety measures, significantly reducing driver distraction and tailgating incidents.
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2025
In its announcement of a 4.1% revenue increase over the last year, Arabian Drilling listed HSE amongst its four top strategic priorities for 2025.
The addition of 13 unconventional land rigs in 2024 brings the operator's total fleet to 59. That increase represents a 20.4% growth against 2023.
Ghassan Mirdad, Arabian Drilling's CEO, described last year's performance as "strong and resilient."
CFO Hubert Lafeuille added, "Our strong balance sheet enables us to pursue geographical expansion, enhancing our ability to swiftly reposition ourselves to capture targeted growth opportunities that require our expertise."
Part of that repositioning includes the realignment of Arabian Drilling's strategic priorities for 2025, centring its approach around four pillars: increasing fleet utilisation, supporting the Kingdom's energy transition, expanding globally, and enhancing HSE activities.
The operator anticipates that Q1 2025 will maintain Q4 2024 performance and momentum.
- Details
- Louise Waters
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2025
Figure 1.
Larry Wilson, author and CEO, SafeStart, reviews the lessons of the ‘complacency continuum’
As we revisit the Paradigm Shifts series, we are now approaching its final stretch with article #9 out of 12: Critical Decisions – Part 1: Normal Risk vs. Making an Exception.
Before diving in, let’s briefly recall the key insights from the previous article, where we explored the complacency continuum and the importance of 'when' vs. 'what' in decision-making (Please see Figure 1).
When did you get hurt vs. what were you doing? And if you really think about it or if you really think about what has actually happened to you, you’ll realise that you have most likely experienced accidental pain – even if it wasn’t serious – in almost any activity you’ve ever done, whether it’s walking, running, cleaning, carrying something and dropping it on your foot, cutting, hammering, driving, cooking, sewing (you name it), chances are you’ve said, “Ouch” or something worse, more than once. So, if you can accept that the “what” isn’t really where the pattern is, because, we’ve all been hurt, a little or a lot, doing pretty much everything (as long as you were moving and/or things around you were moving). So, the pattern, especially in terms of our serious injuries, has been when we made both of the first two critical errors at the same time: we didn’t have our eyes on task and we weren’t thinking about what we were doing (mind not on task). And as a result, we didn’t get a reflex – which might have enabled us to hit the brake, jerk the steering wheel, catch our balance or break our fall, move our head quickly, etc.
So, we looked at the problem of figuring out “when” in the last article. When would we or when would they be most likely to have those “defenseless moments”? The conclusion was that they (at least the majority of them) would happen after the first stage of complacency, and – although the person wouldn’t likely know it – be happening more frequently as they passed into stage 2. Which helped to answer the question of why older, well-trained workers, with lots of experience were experiencing so many serious injuries and fatalities. Note: before the first stage of complacency, untrained workers or workers without enough experience do get hurt frequently. But they are usually more mindful in terms of paying attention. They just don’t have the skills or reflexes yet. So, that’s easy to understand and it’s easy enough to fix, if you’re willing to take the time to train them properly.
However, there’s more to it than just that. As mentioned, albeit briefly, in the last article, as time goes on people tend to get more complacent, not less. The increased level of complacency can also start to affect someone’s decision making. Not only do they have more “defenseless moments”, but if nothing bad has actually happened (vs. just another close call) then the person’s willingness to change will be very low, and certainly their belief that their behaviour “really needs to change” will be virtually non-existent. Hence the: “Oh yeah, well I’ve been doing it this way for 20 years and I’ve never been hurt yet!” So, for them, “normal” behaviour is “at-risk”. In other words, they normally don’t wear the face shield at the grinding wheel or they normally don’t wear a seat belt on the fork truck. And if someone has been using the grinding wheel without a face shield for 20 years, we can assume – with a fair bit of confidence – that complacency has gotten the better of them.
Then on the other side (see Figure 1), there are people whose normal behaviour is safe: they normally do wear the face shield. Just like people normally drive the speed limit or maybe a little above the posted speed limit. In other words, you know what you mean when you say, “I was driving at normal speed or at a normal speed for me, given the conditions”. Let’s just call it, “our own speed limit” which, as mentioned, might be slightly higher than the posted speed limit. But here’s the thing or the main point: we have all exceeded our own speed limit when we were in a “big rush”. So, if we are in enough of a rush, we will make an exception, and not only break government laws or company rules, we will even break our own rules. And the same thing can be true for frustration and fatigue. Normal people can and will make exceptions or can have their decisions compromised by rushing, frustration and fatigue.
I can remember when this paradigm shift hit me. I was in Houston doing a three-day workshop. Our video crew lives in the greater Houston area, so we got together after day one to look at some of the “Tool Box” videos for a series they started working on. Although the manager of the crew was very familiar with the concepts and critical error reduction techniques, the crew really only knew about rushing, frustration, fatigue and complacency. What I didn’t know (long story) was that the manager was not going with the crew to these shoots, so they were just asking for stories – true stories – that were about workplace injuries caused by rushing, frustration, fatigue and complacency.
Click here to read the full article and gain insights into enhancing safety through improved decision-making.
Stay tuned for Critical Decisions – Part 2: Deliberate Risk and Error, where we dive deeper into how intentional risk-taking interacts with human error and what we can do to mitigate it!
https://uk.safestart.com/paradigm-shifts/9-critical-decisions-part-1-normal-risk-vs-making-an-exception/
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2025
The Port of Duqm Company has signed an MoU with Oman Oil Marketing Company with the intention of co-developing and implementing solar systems, EV charging and biofuels at the Port of Duqm.
Signing the MoU on behalf of the Port of Duqm Company was its CEO, Reggy Vermeulen, who said, "We are committed to developing sustainable energy solutions at the port and this agreement strengthens our efforts towards achieving an environmentally friendly operational environment that aligns with Oman Vision 2040.
"Our partnership with OOMCO will open new avenues in the clean energy sector, contributing to the transformation of Port of Duqm into a sustainable logistics gateway at both the regional and international levels."
Tariq Mohammed al Junaidi, Oman Oil Marketing Company (OOMCO) CEO, was also present at the MoU signing.
"At Oman Oil Marketing Company, we are committed to providing innovative and sustainable energy solutions beyond fuel. Our advancements in solar energy, EV charging infrastructure and biodiesel support Oman's transition to clean energy.
"This MoU with Port of Duqm marks a key step in enabling the port to optimise energy use, reduce carbon emissions and enhance sustainability."
- Details
- Matthew Hayhoe
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Year: 2025
Navtech's MAS10 is the world's first 77GHz FMCW marine radar, promising all-weather navigation and safer manoeuvring.
The company partnered with leading marine operators for the product's development, inspiring its groundbreaking adoption of weatherproof W-band radar tech and rugged design to support its mission-critical applications.
Rachel O'Connor, Navtech Radar's marine business development manager, stated, "New challenges demand more advanced solutions. The MAS10 radar is purpose-built for marine automation, combining a 1km range with centimetre-level precision and all-weather reliability.
"The MAS10’s high-resolution imaging enables machine-learning-powered classification, setting a new standard for safe and intelligent navigation. With 25 years of Navtech expertise, the MAS10 is designed to enable safer and smarter navigation for the future of maritime operations."
Zero USV was one such operator partnering with Navtech for the MAS10 product development. Matthew Ratsey, Zero USV's founder and MD, added, "Navtech's MAS10 is such a unit, the definition and quality to pick up even the smallest of targets in cluttered environments is vital for the autonomous industry to continue seeking the goal of ‘jetty to jetty’ navigation where busy harbours still represent a significant challenge."
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- North America
- Region: North America
- Year: 2025
Several Louisiana federal agency offices are losing their leases as part of a statewide cost-cutting initiative spearheaded by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a federal watchdog established by the Trump Administration whose stated aim is to streamline government spending and minimise waste.
The DOGE website, which analyses government cost-cutting measures, claims that the initiative has saved over US$105bn across the country through asset sales, contract cancellations, fraud eliminations, and lease terminations. As of March 6, the expected savings per taxpayer were US$652.17.
The largest cost-cutting strategy among the terminated Louisiana agency leases involved the Social Security Administration in Houma, which had an annual leasing cost of more than US$550,000.
The agency's lease was terminated through a "agency-approved lease termination," which means that the agency consented to evacuate the premises, according to Louisiana First News.
OSHA office to be closed
One of the eight federal agencies affected by these cuts in Louisiana is the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). DOGE stated it was a “Mass Mod” termination, meaning leases that are cancelled through mass modifications.
OSHA's 8,041 sq ft Louisiana office, which is located in the state capital Baton Rouge, costs the US government US$187,451 every year. According to DOGE, closing this office space will save the government US$109,346.
OSHA is a division of the United States Department of Labour that oversees occupational safety and health.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, OSHA strives to ensure safe and healthy working conditions by establishing and enforcing standards, as well as providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.
There has been no official statement from OSHA at the time of writing this report.
Other health and safety organisations impacted
Other organisations that are closing their offices include the Office of the General Counsel (OGC), which is the legal team within the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). A report by Fierce Healthcare hyas indicated that OGC is closing six of its ten regional offices. This however does not appear to be mandated by DOGE.
The report stated that HSS regional offices in Boston, Chicago, Dallas, New York City, San Francisco and Seattle will close. In certain cases, these regional offices are located in government buildings that were temporarily added to the General Services Administration's (GSA) non-core property list last week. This list suggested that the government is willing to remove federal buildings from its national footprint.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could also be impacted by spending cuts, given that the US government is looking to divest from non-core properties.
It remains unclear how the employees working for these all of these agencies will be affected.
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Middle East
- Region: Middle East
- Year: 2025
Saudi Arabia's building sector is expanding at an unprecedented rate, and the Kingdom plans to strengthen fire and life safety (FLS) standards by introducing new Saudi Building Code (SBC) and Saudi Fire Code (SFC) rules in mid-2025.
To prepare for these developments, AESG has reinforced its Fire & Life Safety section by hiring fire protection engineers, senior fire protection engineers, and principle fire protection engineers in Saudi Arabia.
This strategic expansion strengthens the firm's capabilities to assist complicated projects requiring extensive mechanical and electrical fire protection skills.
AESG is one of the few active Fire & Life Safety businesses in Saudi Arabia, and it is one of only two International Consultancy firms accredited by Civil Defence as an Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) representative and reviewer, demonstrating the firm's profound commitment to Vision 2030.
2025 expansion plans
“Saudi Arabia’s rapid expansion of mega and giga projects has significantly increased the demand for specialized Fire & Life Safety expertise. These large-scale developments require meticulous and complex fire safety planning, both from a design and regulatory standpoint. The complexity of Saudi projects necessitates both robust local knowledge as well as international expertise to develop equivalencies and alternative solutions, allowing AESG to go beyond standard code compliance and deliver high-value, performance-based fire safety solutions,” said Saeed al Abbar, CEO at AESG.
In 2024, AESG was instrumental in improving fire and life safety rules and systems for some of Saudi Arabia's most famous constructions, including essential infrastructure, healthcare institutions, and luxury hotel projects. The business also engaged with developers on significant new projects, ensuring that cutting-edge fire safety technologies were included from the start. Collectively, AESG's initiatives have helped protect nearly SAR 30 billion in constructed assets in Saudi Arabia.
Looking ahead, AESG plans to develop its Fire & Life Safety branch in Saudi Arabia in 2025.
“We are strengthening our advisory services in policy, procedures, and governance, leveraging expertise gained from giga-projects. Additionally, we will introduce specialised solutions for industrial projects, further enhancing our service offerings in the Kingdom. Our goal is to grow our team by over 25% while continuing to elevate service quality, client experience, and governance advisory. With the upcoming Saudi Building Code (SBC-201) and Saudi Fire Code (SBC-801) changes, AESG remains committed to guiding clients through compliance with practical, high-impact Fire & Life Safety solutions—designed to be simple, effective, and achievable” said Abdullah Faza, director - fire and life safety, Middle East at AESG.
The company's expansion strategy involves the hiring of Samer Mehran as Senior FLS Consultant for its Egypt location. Mehran contributes over 15 years of industry experience, strong technical understanding, and leadership to AESG's continuous expansion in the Middle East.
Also read: ILO praises Saudi efforts to enhance worker safety
- Details
- Sania Aziz
- Europe
- Region: Europe
- Year: 2025
Vattenfall, one of Europe’s largest producers and retailers of electricity and heat, has used Flyability’s Elios 3 drone to create 3D models of restricted areas inside a decommissioned power plant, improving its understanding of locations deemed unsafe for human entry.
Once decommissioned, power plants often remain untouched for extended periods due to safety hazards and security concerns. Large industrial facilities present risks such as falls, head injuries, and confined space dangers. Additionally, the proprietary designs and operational methods of power plants require protection, leading to further restrictions.
Despite these constraints, companies must continue maintaining decommissioned plants. However, limited access makes it difficult to assess structural conditions, posing challenges for routine inspections and long-term planning.
Leveraging drone technology for inspection
The decommissioned facility, no longer in operation, had been repurposed as a training site for firefighters, but certain sections were still off-limits due to falling debris risks.
A long-time Flyability customer, Vattenfall saw potential in the Elios 3, an indoor drone equipped with a LiDAR sensor, for creating precise 3D maps of no-go zones. The company conducted test flights at the plant to determine whether the Elios 3’s simultaneous localisation and mapping (SLAM) capabilities could generate usable models.
Using the FlyAware SLAM algorithm, the drone processed real-time LiDAR data, creating 3D visualisations of restricted areas. The collected data was later refined with FARO software for higher-resolution post-processed models, enhancing the team's ability to understand the facility’s layout.
The test flights focused on a deteriorating stairwell, an area deemed unsafe for human entry. The Elios 3 successfully navigated the confined space, flying 30-40 m (98-130 ft) up the stairwell while maintaining a strong signal and collecting high-precision data.
Vattenfall’s R&D team confirmed that both the SLAM-generated and post-processed models met their inspection needs, demonstrating the potential for broader applications across other decommissioned plants.
Anders Lindström, Digital Inspection Specialist in Vattenfall’s R&D Department, said,
“The LiDAR capability is a great addition to the Elios' capabilities and it is so far the only drone with LiDAR capability in this size segment”.
Without the Elios 3, personnel would have needed rope access or scaffolding to inspect the site manually, a process that could take weeks and incur high costs. Instead, the drone completed the task in just 30 minutes, showcasing significant time, cost, and safety benefits.