Emesent’s Hovermap SLAM module on a DJI Matrice M300. Image supplied.

Emesent, the commercial spin-off of CSIRO’s SLAM technology, claims to have carried out the first underground flights with DJI’s flagship M300 drone.

Having launched their SLAM module for the M300 in July, Emesent has now carried out a number of autonomous underground flights at sites in Queensland.

A statement released by the company indicates that the initial flights took place at the Round Oak Mt Colin copper mine in Cloncurry.

“Quality data has always been integral to safety and productivity in the underground mining sector,” Round Oak surveyor Ashley Tibbles said.

“The Hovermap provides an unparalleled platform to deliver this.”

Emesent CEO Dr Stefan Hrabar said the success of the underground flights with the Hovermap-enabled M300 will open up new possibilities for underground mines.

“Robust underground flight technology can significantly extend the capability of industrial drones and will deliver real benefits to the mining, construction and emergency response sectors.

“We’re looking forward to partnering with customers to help them derive competitive advantage from this breakthrough technology.”

Stay up to date by getting stories like this delivered to your mailbox.
Sign up to receive our free weekly Spatial Source newsletter.