Emesent's Hovermap Revolutionizes Autonomous Mapping of Inaccessible Spaces
Emesent, a Queensland-based software company, specializes in autonomous mapping of inaccessible spaces using its Hovermap technology. Hovermap is an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered mobile scanning unit that integrates collision-avoidance and autonomous-flight technologies to map underground and industrial environments. The technology combines simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) software with light detection and ranging (LiDAR) capture and analysis.
Hovermap: Features and Versatility
Hovermap can be deployed in various ways:
- Mounted on a drone for aerial views.
- Used for walking scans in congested areas.
- Attached to a vehicle for large spaces.
- Lowered into deep shafts within a protective cage for unsafe access.
Improvements in Hovermap's perception technology enable autonomous drone flight through gaps as narrow as 2.4 meters.
This capability is supported by Emesent's AI-powered autonomous mission control software, Cortex, accessed via the Commander app. Cortex analyzes environments, detects obstacles, and plans optimal routes in real-time, reducing human intervention.
Industrial Applications
CMOC Northparkes Mine
The China Molybdenum Company (CMOC) mine in Northparkes, New South Wales, utilized Hovermap to monitor two new 560-meter ventilation shafts that experienced partial failure. Traditional bore cameras could not provide the required detailed data.
Hovermap, lowered in a protective cage, scanned the intake shaft over approximately two hours.
Comparing scans over a year allowed personnel to measure changes in shaft deformation and identify necessary maintenance, leading to timely remedial action and reduced risk of mine shutdowns.
Aerial Production Services (APS)
APS used Hovermap to create a 3D digital twin of a large onshore natural gas compressor station in the southeastern US. Using a drone with Hovermap in pilot assist mode, APS completed the scan in two 25-minute flights.
This reduced inspection time by over 80% compared to typical ground LiDAR scans, which would take approximately 6.5 hours without capturing height detail.
Walking scans were also performed for congested areas. The resulting digital twin aids future maintenance, operations, and construction planning, and provides dimensional data for new equipment design. The use of Hovermap also reduced post-scan processing time by more than 40%.