Plants of Tomorrow Drone Days: Advancing Innovation in Holcim Cement Plant Inspections with Elios
The long-standing partnership between Holcim and Flyability has reached a significant milestone with the successful launch of the first edition of the European Drone Days, held at Flyability’s headquarters in Lausanne from June 20 to June 22, 2023. This event marked a key step forward in their collaboration, with 15 out of the 16 European countries where Holcim operates having their plants equipped with Elios drones participating. A New Era for Drone Innovation in the Cement Industry The European Plants of Tomorrow (PoT) Drone Days, organized by Flyability in collaboration with Holcim, was a three-day event focused on deepening the understanding of drone technology and exploring new applications within the cement industry. The goal was not only to strengthen internal relationships among Holcim’s drone pilots but also to enhance their cooperation with Flyability. Patrick Thévoz, CEO of Flyability, opened the event by welcoming the 25 Holcim representatives and pilots present, encouraging them to continue working together beyond product development. By the end of the event, it became clear how well drones had been integrated into Holcim’s operations and how much value they bring to the sector. Watch the event video below. Driving Innovation Through Partnership Flyability's close relationship with Holcim highlights a strong, forward-thinking partnership aimed at advancing innovation in the cement industry. As a leading technology provider, Flyability has developed the most advanced indoor inspection drones tailored for challenging environments like cement plants. These drones are uniquely capable of operating in dusty and hazardous conditions, making them essential for Holcim’s operations. Since the initial tests at the Eclepens plant in 2016, Holcim has expanded its drone fleet to 37 units and now has over 100 trained Elios pilots across Europe. Roze Wesby, Global Head of Plants of Tomorrow at Holcim, shared her insights on the impact of drone technology. She emphasized that the primary benefit is safety—drones eliminate the need to send personnel into confined spaces. Beyond safety, she highlighted cost savings, reduced downtime, and increased productivity. “By using drones, we save money on scaffolding, reduce plant downtime, and improve maintenance efficiency,†she said. “This helps us deliver better quality products to our customers globally.†Watch the full interview with Roze Wesby here: Key Takeaways from the Event The European PoT Drone Days aimed to deepen the connection among Holcim’s drone community and provide hands-on training with Flyability’s latest innovations. Participants engaged in technical sessions, learned about new features, and had the chance to exchange experiences with other pilots. The event also encouraged exploration of new use cases for drones in the cement industry and facilitated networking opportunities that helped build a stronger sense of community. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed that the event provided valuable insights that would improve their drone usage. It also strengthened the bonds between Holcim pilots and Flyability teams, creating a platform for ongoing collaboration and knowledge sharing. Looking Ahead The European PoT Drone Days proved to be a major success, showcasing the power of drone technology in transforming the cement industry. Holcim continues to invest in innovation, and with the growing number of drones and trained pilots, the company is well-positioned to lead in efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The event was more than just a meeting—it was a step toward a future where drones play an even greater role in shaping the industry. Decorative Weapons,Party Accessories Sword,Party Scythe,Halloween Scythe Leadtex Animation Creative Co., Ltd. , https://www.leadtex.com