PORTFOLIO

Project presentations on the website

Every project supported by Gebert Rüf Stiftung is made accessible with a web presentation that informs about the core data of the project. With this public presentation, the foundation publishes the funding results achieved and contributes to the communication of science to society.

Close

Elythor: Revolutionizing inspection and monitoring

Editorial

Für den Inhalt der Angaben zeichnet die Projektleitung verantwortlich.

Project data

  • Project no: GRS-033/23 
  • Amount of funding: CHF 150'000 
  • Approved: 04.07.2023 
  • Duration: 10.2023 - 10.2024 
  • Area of activity:  InnoBooster, seit 2018

Project management

Project description

Whether it’s from solar, wind, or fossil fuels, energy is needed for nearly every aspect of our life. We’re depend- ent on our resources and the power grid for a reliable stream of power. And yet, around US$143b is lost globally every year due to power grid failures. To reduce the risk of power grids going down, the infrastructure needs to be inspected and monitored on a regular basis – this currently costs billions each year.
When it comes to inspecting and monitoring their power infrastructure, companies need a solution that’s quick, thorough, low-cost, and, most importantly, safe. While the work was done manually in the past, more recently,
companies have moved towards using fixed-wing drones or multicopters. Copters are highly precise but have a
very limited range and need regular charging. On the other end of the spectrum, fixed-wing drones can travel a long way, but they don't allow close inspection because of how they’re built.
Elythor’s pioneering drone technology combines the best of both systems, creating a low-cost, high-precision option for energy infrastructure inspection.
Elythor’s technology combines the precision of multicopters and the durability of fixed-wing drones with in- flight shapeshifting to create an agile, accurate, and robust robot. Our drone can conduct inspections in con- fined and complex spaces and travel the long distances required for power infrastructure. With Elythor, power infrastructure managers can benefit from up to a 40% reduction in cost and up to a 35% reduction in the time their inspectors spend out in the field.

Status/Results

The InnoBooster program's funding support will help us further develop our prototype, conduct field trials, and
refine our business strategy toward industrialization. The mentorship and network offered by the program will also provide us with valuable insights, expertise, and connections to industry partners, investors, and potential customers, which will significantly boost our chances for success.

Links

Persons involved in the project

Harry Vourtsis, EPFL, Founder & CEO
Nathan Müller, EPFL, Co-Founder & CTO
Dario Floreano, EPFL, Co-Founder & Technical Advisor

Last update to this project presentation  12.11.2024