Leica Geosystems’ UAV solution Aibotix now part of Hexagon
(Heerbrugg/Switzerland) – Hexagon AB, parent company of Leica Geosystems and leading global provider of design, measurement and visualisation solutions, announced today the acquisition of Aibotix, a manufacturer of intelligent multicopter systems for high-efficiency aerial applications.
Headquartered in Kassel, Germany, Aibotix is the maker of Aibot X6, a new generation of vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV). Intelligent, autonomous and safe, the multi-rotor platform is designed to suit the needs of customers in the industrial inspection, aerial mapping, surveying, utility and security markets.
Since UAVs are quickly becoming a viable tool for some of Leica Geosystems’ key market segments that require application-specific solutions, Leica Geosystems and Aibotix have been working closely together since June 2013. UAV-based solutions available today are ideal for delivering up-to-date geospatial information and aiding in hard to reach areas – from difficult infrastructure inspections of power lines, bridges and dams to locally focused mapping tasks of buildings or any vertical structure.
“The Aibotix acquisition is an important addition to Hexagon’s photogrammetric and mapping technologies portfolio,” said Hexagon President and CEO Ola Rollén. “The growing number of applications for UAV-based solutions offers huge growth potential, especially in areas that require frequent and local updates such as smart city applications, dynamic GIS, and emergency response.”
Being part of the same group of companies will enable Leica Geosystems, the leading provider of photogrammetric mapping solutions, together with Aibotix and Intergraph to create unique and synergistic solutions where the UAV becomes an integral part of the workflow process, delivering essential pieces of information that will drive actionable intelligence.
About Aibotix GmbH
The name Aibotix is emblematic of the company’s two core technologies (AI from artificial intelligence and BOTIX from robotics). Founded in 2010, Aibotix develops and produces high-quality, intelligent flying machines that are particularly easy to operate due to their high degree of automation. Various cameras and sensors are available for particular tasks, especially those where human-piloted craft entail high risk and expense, such as aerial industrial inspection of wind turbines or outdoor cables.
Aibotix was founded by a team of experienced entrepreneurs who have worked intensively on advanced image processing, sensor technology and robotics for many years. Aibotix is represented in 14 countries and provides quality support and service worldwide. Sound financials and strong growth potential make Aibotix attractive to investors. Aibotix GmbH employs 28 people, and is headquartered in Kassel, Germany. www.aibotix.com
Leica Geosystems – when it has to be right
With close to 200 years of experience pioneering solutions to measure the world, Leica Geosystems products and services are trusted by professionals worldwide to help them capture, analyse, and present spatial information. Leica Geosystems is best known for its broad array of products that capture accurately, model quickly, analyse easily, and visualize and present spatial information.
Those who use Leica Geosystems products every day trust them for their dependability, the value they deliver, and the superior customer support. Based in Heerbrugg, Switzerland, Leica Geosystems is a global company with tens of thousands of customers supported by more than 3,800 employees in 33 countries and hundreds of partners located in more than 120 countries around the world. Leica Geosystems is part of Hexagon, Sweden.
For further information please contact:
Leica Geosystems AG
Heinrich-Wild-Strasse
CH-9435 Heerbrugg
agnes.zeiner@leica-geosystems.com
www.leica-geosystems.com
