Teledyne FLIR & Emesent Expand Integration of LiDAR Payloads for Unmanned Systems

Teledyne FLIR Defense has expanded its Third-Party Payload Integration Program by certifying Emesent’s Hovermap LiDAR payload for use across its Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), ground robots, and radiation detection platforms.

The combination addresses a critical gap in air and ground domains where unmanned systems can lose GPS connectivity in common operating areas, such as tunnels, urban structures, and CBRN-contaminated spaces. By utilizing LiDAR-based Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, the Hovermap payload generates accurate 3D maps without relying on GPS or external infrastructure.

On Teledyne FLIR’s SkyRanger R70 and R80D SkyRaider platforms, Hovermap enables mapping even in GPS-denied environments. When mounted on the SUGV 325 ground robot, the payload provides users with persistent 3D awareness of complex enclosed spaces streamed in real time. Integrated with the MUVE R430 radiation detection payload, the system allows operators to see where radiation levels are elevated, providing an immediate, geo-referenced picture of the threat environment.

Stefan Hrabar, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Emesent, stated, “Knowing the shape of a space is powerful. Knowing where the radiation is within that space, in real time, without putting a person in harm’s way, is an operational game-changer. Our partnership with Teledyne FLIR Defense brings together GPS-denied mapping and radiation detection in a way that directly addresses what CBRN operators need in the field.”

Tung Ng, Vice President of Unmanned Systems North America for Teledyne FLIR Defense, added, “Teledyne FLIR builds platforms trusted for the most demanding CBRN missions in the world. Working with Emesent, we’ll be able to give operators a fused, spatial picture of the threat environment they simply haven’t had access to before.

“This is the direction the whole field is heading in, and we’re delivering it now through certified third-party payloads like Hovermap.”

Emesent’s Hovermap reflects the company’s success in utilizing Teledyne FLIR Defense’s open-architecture, partner-enabled development ecosystem. Certified payloads are assessed for mechanical fit, electrical interface, software compatibility, and flight performance, giving customers confidence in mission-tailored capabilities from a growing partner ecosystem.

The partnership establishes a strong technical foundation for future capability development. Both companies are actively developing autonomous navigation capabilities and expanding multi-sensor fusion beyond radiation to additional CBRN detection modalities. The integrated systems will be on display at the Modern Day Marine event in Quantico.