Voliro, a Swiss company specialising in robotic aerial industrial inspections space, has raised $12M in Series A funding to transform industrial inspections and maintenance tasks at height. The Zurich-based company, which specialises in advanced drones for hard-to-reach areas, aims to make industrial operations safer and more efficient through its cutting-edge aerial technology.
Cherry Ventures led the funding round, with additional contributions from business angels, family offices, and a conventional debt facility. This latest round brings Voliro’s total capital raised to $22M, setting the company on a course to expand its innovative drone technology into new markets and industries.
The future of robotic aerial industrial inspections takes off
For industries reliant on inspections of high-risk infrastructure like flare stacks, wind turbines, or sloped surfaces, Voliro’s aerial robots offer a much-needed solution. Tasks that once required scaffolding, ropes, and human exposure to hazardous conditions can now be performed by Voliro’s drones, reducing not only risk but also costs and downtime.
“We’ve been able to save our customers significant time and money by using Voliro’s technology,” said Danny Landry, General Manager and Drone SME at Acuren. “Their drones allow us to perform inspections much faster than traditional methods that require scaffolding, all while reducing our safety exposure.”
Voliro’s drones, equipped with a unique tiltable rotor system, are capable of conducting non-destructive testing (NDT) and other contact-based inspections with exceptional precision. This ability to work at any angle in challenging conditions makes them ideal for industries where operational efficiency and safety are top priorities.
Robotic aerial industrial inspection subscription model powers growth
Voliro’s business model is as innovative as its technology. The company operates on a B2B subscription basis, offering customers continuous access to its drones, software, updates, training, and even crash insurance. This model not only ensures that clients stay up to date with the latest advancements but also provides Voliro with a steady stream of recurring revenue, which is reinvested into research and development.
“The recurring revenue from our subscription model allows us to continually invest in R&D and deliver high-quality solutions to our customers,” said Florian Gutzwiller, CEO of Voliro. “We’re committed to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in aerial robotics, and this funding round is a testament to the confidence our investors have in our vision.”
Industry giants already on board
Voliro’s technology is already being adopted by industry leaders like Chevron, Holcim, and Acuren, who use the company’s drones for critical inspections of hard-to-reach infrastructure. By deploying Voliro’s drones, these companies can enhance their operational efficiency, reduce downtime, and significantly cut safety risks.
“Our mission is to eliminate the need for people to be exposed to risk for any work at height,” said Timo Müller, COO and co-founder of Voliro. “With our advanced flying robots, we’re not only making these operations safer but also more efficient and cost-effective.”
Sky-high potential
Voliro’s long-term goal is to set the global standard for industrial work at height, where flying robots manage all tasks that currently put humans at risk. Over the next decade, the company plans to further develop its aerial robotics technology, expand into new markets, and continue to enhance safety and efficiency standards in industrial operations worldwide.
“Voliro is setting a new standard in industrial inspections with its innovative aerial robotics technology, which addresses critical safety and efficiency challenges across multiple industries,” said Christian Meermann, Partner at Cherry Ventures. “We are excited to support Voliro as they scale their impact globally, bringing a safer and more efficient approach to work at height.”
With this fresh injection of capital, Voliro is well-positioned to become a leader in the rapidly growing field of aerial robotics, transforming how industries approach safety and precision in inspection and maintenance tasks.
