Speed The Elios 3 enables rapid situational awareness flights that last under 10 minutes, delivering critical information quickly and allowing for immediate action in emergency scenarios. Safety The Elios 3 helps teams identify life-threatening situations and plan safe entry before or after an incident, ensuring the well-being of first responders. Accountability After an emergency, the 3D model created from data collected by the Elios 3 can be used to evaluate the response and improve future operations. Access The Elios 3 can enter hazardous environments before humans, checking safety and providing essential information to guide next steps. When first responders arrive at a scene, they often face the unknown. Few professions demand as much adaptability, creativity, and problem-solving as firefighting. The ability to quickly gather situational awareness is crucial—especially when every second counts. Obtaining detailed information on-site can be challenging, especially in high-pressure situations where time is limited. That’s where drones like the Elios 2 and Elios 3 come into play. They provide real-time data, helping teams make informed decisions and act swiftly. Team Digital Exploration (TDE), part of the fire brigade in the Netherlands, specializes in fast and effective data collection. Founded in 2018 as a partnership between the Unified Fire Brigade (GB) and the Safety Region of Rotterdam-Rijnmond (VRR), TDE has become a vital asset in emergency response across the country. "We no longer need to send first responders into potentially dangerous areas without prior scouting," says Robbert Heinecke, national manager at TDE. "The Elios drone has changed the way we operate." TDE uses drones to collect data from inside structures during emergencies such as fires or structural damage. This data is then shared with first responders to help them make informed decisions. After the crisis, they conduct additional flights to create 2D or 3D models for analysis and reporting. You can learn more about TDE in this YouTube video. TDE has used both the Elios 2 and Elios 3 in various emergency response operations. Their fleet includes multiple UAVs to adapt to different situations. Since 2018, TDE has been involved in numerous incidents, including: The Elios drones allow TDE to safely fly in confined spaces, even beyond the visual line of sight. Their live video feed provides critical insights to first responders, while LiDAR scans help create accurate 3D models for post-response analysis. Photogrammetry software like PIX4Dmapper processes the imagery from the Elios drones, creating detailed 2D and 3D models that support scene analysis and learning from each incident. In smoky conditions, LiDAR scans provide essential situational awareness. "The drones have helped us keep our first responders safe," says Robbert Heinecke. "With the Elios drones, we can be more flexible, efficient, and effective in our responses." His team recently made headlines for using the Elios 3 to investigate a fire and determine if fireworks were involved. Looking ahead, Robbert and his team aim to assist other fire departments in establishing similar drone response units. Their work highlights how the Elios drones, along with outdoor drones and UGVs, are making a difference in keeping people safe in complex and dangerous environments. Discover more about the Elios 3 and its surveying capabilities. Pipe Connections,Tie Rod Connector,Rubber Tie Plate,Cnc Threaded Tie Rod Simcan Industrial Equipment Co.,Ltd. , https://www.simcanindustry.comBringing the Elios 2 and Elios 3 to Firefighting
Key Benefits at a Glance
The Elios 2 ready for action in a fire scenario. Image credit: Megin ZondervanModernizing Emergency Response with Data Collection
Flying Drones in Hazardous Environments
An Elios 2 used by Robbert's team. Image credit: Megin ZondervanBuilding a Drone Emergency Response Network