Leica Geosystems brought its bright orange Aibot X6 (though it is available in five other colors) to the International LiDAR Mapping Forum in Denver, Colo.  Beyond its bold color options, the Aibot X6 UAV is a versatile, powerful solution that is able to climb quickly (18 mph) with a max payload of 4.4 lbs.  The plug-and-play system allows the operator to customize sensors and cameras to the application.

The Aibot X6, fabricated from an ultra-lightweight carbon, is stable enough for GPS positioning, safe and has a low crash risk even if a rotor fails. The UAV was specifically designed for industrial tasks such as the inspection or survey of overhead powerlines, wind turbines or pipelines though it can be used for many other applications, including public safety. For instance, Leica Geosystems working with the forensic firearms unit of the Washington State Patrol’s Seattle crime laboratory recently deployed the UAV in support of a criminal investigation in an extremely challenging outdoor environment.