Wingtra AG

Flying robots are profoundly changing a number of industries – in particular, mining, surveying, construction, and infrastructure industries. However, certain factors are still keeping potential users from adapting drones to their operations. For example, quadcopters can cover only limited distances because they are highly energy intensive. Currently available fixed-wing planes, on the other hand, are able to travel longer distances but are challenging to maneuver autonomously and require runways, catapults, nets, and large open spaces.

The Wingtra project evolved from years of research conducted at the Autonomous Systems Lab at ETH Zurich by leaders in the field of flying robots. This novel type of unmanned aerial vehicle  combines the advantages of a traditional airplane and a helicopter. Like an airplane, the wing generates lift in forward flight, making it possible to cover longer distances with heavier payloads. Like an helicopter, the drone has vertical take-off and landing  capabilities.

Because even untrained personnel can easily handle this device, Wingtra drones can be widely adopted. This disruptive aircraft design dramatically improves surveying efficiency and reduces related costs, making it an extremely attractive tool for mines, land surveying offices, and architecture, engineering, and construction firms.