Neva Aerospace has introduced a new heavy-duty aerial robotic platform (ARP) concept called Vlinder.
The company is developing the technology to meet the needs of industrial operators who need to find ways to complement human workforces for maintenance and engineering work in dull, dirty, distant and dangerous locations.
Neva is looking to develop scalable ARPs with the flight endurance to work beyond line of sight control, the stability to act as steady platform for on-board robots carrying out precision work, and with a payload capacity of up to two tonnes.
A key technology for the capability is the use of distributed thrust from multiple hybrid ducted electric turbofans (ETF) with precise orientation aids for precision control. Future Vlinder prototypes will use turbines based on Neva's powerful patented static thrust designs that are optimised for stable VTOL hovering.
Vlinder ARPs will be designed to be integrated within human teams, existing fleets of machines and users' data-management workflow. They will be capable of achieving stable flight with multi-directional turbines from 20kg to two tonnes, carrying payloads such as cameras or robotic tools, or carrying out heavy lifting tasks as an aerial crane.
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