About
Voliro is a Swiss robotics company offering the Voliro T, an advanced aerial robotic platform purpose-built for non-destructive testing (NDT) in industrial environments. Unlike conventional inspection methods that require scaffolding, rope access technicians, and extensive logistics coordination, Voliro T can reach virtually any structure and apply up to 30 N of stable contact force and several Nm of torque — enabling sensor payloads to collect accurate inspection data from previously inaccessible locations. The platform features true 360° omnidirectional mobility via tiltable rotors, letting it interact with surfaces in any direction. Automated flight modes and assisted autonomy make it operable even in GPS-denied environments like indoor tanks or confined spaces, reducing operator workload and human error. Voliro T supports multiple sensor payloads on an open platform design, making it versatile across use cases: inspecting 4–5 storage tanks in a day, a flare stack or chimney in one hour, an entire wind turbine in just 20 minutes, or 10–12 powerline towers per day. The platform is trusted by industry leaders across 17 countries, completing over 100 inspections per month. For asset owners, Voliro minimizes unplanned downtime and enables in-service inspection, eliminating the need to shut down assets for routine checks. For inspection service providers, it boosts productivity, lowers per-inspection costs, and differentiates their offering with cutting-edge technology. Voliro is ideal for oil & gas, chemicals, wind energy, cement, mining, infrastructure, and utilities sectors.
Key Features
- Stable Contact & Force Application: Applies up to 30 N of stable force and several Nm of torque to structures, enabling precise sensor contact even on vertical or overhead surfaces.
- 360° Omnidirectional Aerial Mobility: Tiltable rotor design gives the drone true omnidirectional freedom, allowing it to approach and interact with structures from any angle.
- Automated Flight Modes: Assisted autonomy and automated flight modes allow reliable operation in GPS-denied environments such as indoor tanks or enclosed industrial spaces.
- Modular Sensor Payload System: Open platform design supports a variety of NDT sensor payloads, enabling the right inspection tool for each specific asset type and industry.
- In-Service Asset Inspection: Inspect live, operational assets without shutting them down, dramatically reducing production downtime and unplanned outages.
Use Cases
- Inspecting 4–5 industrial storage tanks (inside or outside) within a single working day without scaffolding or shutdown.
- Rapidly assessing flare stacks and chimneys for corrosion or structural defects — completing a full inspection in under one hour.
- Performing wall-thickness and integrity checks on rotary kilns in approximately 4 hours, reducing cement plant maintenance downtime.
- Surveying 10–12 powerline towers per day to detect corrosion or structural fatigue across transmission infrastructure.
- Conducting wind turbine blade and tower inspections in 20 minutes, enabling more frequent and cost-effective maintenance cycles for wind farm operators.
Pros
- Dramatic Time Savings: Inspections that previously took days of logistics and setup can be completed in hours — e.g., a wind turbine in 20 minutes or a flare stack in 1 hour.
- Eliminates Risky Access Work: Removes the need for scaffolding, rope access climbers, or personnel working at height, significantly improving worker safety.
- In-Service Inspection Capability: Assets can be inspected while fully operational, preventing unnecessary shutdowns and production losses.
- Versatile Across Industries: Proven across oil & gas, wind energy, cement, mining, infrastructure, and utilities in 17 countries with 100+ inspections per month.
Cons
- Enterprise-Level Investment: As a specialized industrial robotics solution, Voliro is priced for large enterprises and inspection service providers, not accessible to small businesses.
- Operator Training Required: Despite automated modes, effective deployment still requires trained drone operators and NDT specialists familiar with the platform.
- Weather and Environment Dependent: Outdoor inspections may be affected by adverse weather conditions such as high winds or heavy rain, limiting operational windows.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Voliro T and what makes it different from regular drones?
The Voliro T is an omnidirectional aerial robotic platform with tiltable rotors that can physically contact and apply force to industrial structures. Unlike standard drones that simply fly and capture images from a distance, Voliro T can press NDT sensors directly against surfaces for accurate, contact-based measurements.
Which industries can benefit from Voliro?
Voliro serves oil & gas, chemicals, wind energy, cement & aggregate, mining, infrastructure, and power & utilities industries — essentially any sector that requires routine inspection of large, complex, or hard-to-reach industrial assets.
Can Voliro inspect assets while they are still in operation?
Yes. One of Voliro's key advantages is its ability to perform in-service inspections, meaning assets do not need to be shut down for routine checks. This eliminates costly production downtime and reduces the need for planned shutdowns.
Does Voliro work in GPS-denied or indoor environments?
Yes. The Voliro T features automated flight modes with assisted autonomy that allow it to operate reliably even in GPS-denied environments, such as inside storage tanks or enclosed industrial facilities.
How does Voliro compare to conventional NDT methods in terms of time?
Voliro reduces the overall inspection process by approximately 2.5x compared to conventional methods. Traditional NDT requires mobilizing teams, arranging equipment logistics, setting up scaffolding, and manually processing data — Voliro streamlines this to an on-site inspection and digital report delivery.
