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Voliro, a leader in advanced aerial robotics, has officially launched what is, according to the company, the world’s first drone-based Pulsed Eddy Current (PEC) sensor in collaboration with Sixpec.
The PEC sensor is integrated into a payload designed exclusively for the Voliro T drone, combining Voliro’s unique inspection drone platform with world class PEC sensing. This is reportedly the first drone sensor payload solution ever that allows inspectors to collect PEC data for corrosion monitoring.
Corrosion under insulation (CUI) presents one of the most challenging and costly maintenance issues in heavy industries, requiring inspectors to remove insulation, erect scaffolding, and manually access assets. The global cost of corrosion is estimated at $2.5 trillion annually, with the oil and gas sector alone spending about $276 billion per year on corrosion (NACE study).
Traditional CUI inspection methods are expensive, time-consuming, and lead to prolonged asset downtime. Voliro’s innovative drone-based PEC sensor addresses all these challenges, making PEC data collection faster, more cost-effective, and significantly safer.
The Voliro aerial PEC sensor is now available for order, with the first units scheduled for delivery in April 2025.
Giovani Sirra, CTO and Co-founder at Sixpec, commented, “Integrating Pulsed Eddy Current technology into aerial robotics has been a long-standing challenge. Through this collaboration with Voliro, we have made it possible to seamlessly integrate our lightweight, highly flexible PEC system with a drone platform for the first time.”
Timo Müller, Co-founder and VP Product at Voliro, said, “For years, corrosion under insulation has been a costly and complex problem for industrial asset owners.
“With the introduction of our aerial PEC sensor, we are providing an innovative solution that allows industries to inspect assets in operation, access difficult locations, and collect enriched data for better maintenance planning. This technology represents a new era in non-destructive testing, one that prioritizes efficiency and safety.”
