In an effort to modernise underground infrastructure and increase operational efficiency, Aquatim, in partnership with Skyline Drones, launched a technical inspection campaign of the sewerage networks in the Timișoara city area. The main objective was to identify structural defects, sediment accumulation and clogging risks without intrusive interventions and without exposing human teams to confined spaces.
The inspected network included old, hard-to-reach sections located at considerable depths, with poor ventilation, no lighting, toxic gases and a high risk of infiltration. Traditional interventions require bulky equipment, extended time and exposure of personnel to hazardous conditions.
The solution implemented in this case was Flyability’s Elios 3 drone, thanks to:
- 4K camera with high-intensity LED lighting
- LiDAR module for generating 3D models
- Stabilised flight system for confined spaces
The equipment was operated from the surface, without the need to enter the underground space. The intervention took place between March and April 2025 in several areas of Timișoara, covering a total length of approximately 16 km, for which 160 flights were required.
The results obtained were:
- Identification of 7 areas with sediments above the permissible level;
- Detection of 3 structural cracks in the canal walls;
- Confirmation of the functionality of segments previously considered silted up;
- Generation of a complete 3D model of the route, useful for GIS and planning future works;
- Full video recording, usable for auditing and internal reporting.
The direct benefits for Aquatim were:
- Zero human exposure in hazardous environments;
- Inspection time reduced by over 60% compared to traditional methods;
- Complete digital documentation, with visual and LiDAR data;
- No interruption to network operation;
- Possibility of integrating data into the predictive maintenance workflow.
Elios 3 is a professional drone designed specifically for inspections in confined, narrow and hard-to-reach environments such as sewer networks, technical galleries or other underground infrastructures.
Its spherical protective casing allows it to fly safely in close contact with walls, and its advanced stabilisation system ensures precise control in spaces where GPS is completely unavailable.
Equipped with a 4K camera, powerful LED lighting and a high-performance LiDAR sensor, Elios 3 simultaneously captures high-resolution images and point clouds. The pilot controls the drone remotely via a tablet, viewing the interior of the sewer in real time on the tablet or laptop.
With no need for drainage, no risk to human staff and significantly greater efficiency than traditional methods, Elios 3 offers an advanced technological solution adapted to current safety, documentation and rapid response requirements.
The use of the Elios 3 drone enabled an accurate, fast and safe assessment of Aquatim’s underground sewers, demonstrating that the technology could become the standard for infrastructure inspections in the future.
This intervention confirms the potential of UAV solutions in confined spaces, reducing risks and increasing efficiency in the maintenance of critical networks.
