It’s amazing to see how far the collaboration between Holcim and Flyability has come since its early days. The European Drone Days held at Flyability’s headquarters in Lausanne from June 20th to 22nd, 2023, marked a significant milestone. Out of the 16 European countries where Holcim plants utilize Elios drones, 15 were represented at the event. This gathering wasn’t just another tech showcase—it was a celebration of innovation and teamwork.
A New Chapter for Cement Plant Inspections
The European Plants of Tomorrow (PoT) Drone Days, co-hosted by Flyability and Holcim, brought together 25 Holcim drone pilots and plant representatives over three intensive days. The goal? To deepen the understanding of Flyability’s drone technology and uncover fresh ways to integrate it into the cement industry. From the opening remarks by Patrick Thévoz, CEO of Flyability, to the hands-on sessions with the drones, the event was a testament to what can be achieved when two forward-thinking companies join forces. By the end of the event, it was clear that drone technology had become an integral part of Holcim’s operational strategy, offering countless advantages such as improved safety and reduced downtime.
Take a look at the event video below to get a feel for the excitement.
Driving Innovation Together
Holcim and Flyability’s partnership exemplifies how collaboration can drive real change in industries that often rely heavily on traditional methods. Flyability has been instrumental in providing Holcim with cutting-edge drone solutions tailored specifically for harsh environments like cement plants. The Elios drone stands out because it can navigate through dusty and dangerous areas with ease—something no other drone can do as well. Since conducting the first tests at Holcim’s Eclepens plant back in 2016, Holcim has grown its drone fleet to include 37 units and trained over 100 Elios operators. Roze Wesby, Global Head of Plants of Tomorrow at Holcim, highlighted during the event how this technology is helping Holcim maintain its edge in efficiency and safety. She noted that investing in drones isn’t just about saving lives—it also translates directly into financial savings by reducing downtime and eliminating costly scaffolding needs.
If you're interested, you can watch Roze Wesby's full interview here:
Key Takeaways from the Event
The European PoT Drone Days weren’t just about showcasing existing technology—they were about inspiring new ideas. Participants learned about the latest updates to the Elios drone and honed their skills under the guidance of Flyability experts. Sharing stories and brainstorming new applications for drone technology became a focal point, fostering a collaborative environment where everyone felt empowered to contribute. Networking opportunities flourished, allowing participants to connect with peers and learn from each other’s experiences. Furthermore, the event underscored Holcim’s dedication to the Plants of Tomorrow initiative, reinforcing the importance of embracing technological advancements to stay ahead in the industry.
Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed gratitude for the wealth of knowledge shared throughout the event, which will undoubtedly improve their drone operations moving forward. It was heartening to see how the event strengthened bonds within the Holcim drone community and created lasting connections. For both Flyability and Holcim, the PoT Drone Days proved invaluable as a platform for dialogue and exploration of future possibilities.
Looking Ahead
This event serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of technology in the cement sector. By embracing drone solutions, Holcim has set a benchmark for others to follow. The European PoT Drone Days not only highlighted current achievements but also ignited excitement for what lies ahead. As Holcim continues to expand its drone capabilities, there’s no doubt that this partnership will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the cement industry. Together, Flyability and Holcim are proving that innovation doesn’t just happen—it’s built, step by step, through collaboration and determination.
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