Plants of Tomorrow Drone Days: Advancing Innovation in Holcim Cement Plant Inspections with Elios

The long-standing collaboration between Holcim and Flyability has reached a significant milestone with the successful launch of the first edition of the European Drone Days, held at Flyability’s headquarters in Lausanne from June 20 to June 22, 2023. This event brought together representatives from 15 out of the 16 European countries where Holcim operates, showcasing the widespread adoption of Flyability’s Elios drones within the company’s cement plants.

A New Era for Drone Technology in the Cement Industry

The European Plants of Tomorrow (PoT) Drone Days, organized by Flyability in partnership with Holcim, was a three-day gathering focused on exploring the potential of drone technology in the cement sector. The event aimed to deepen understanding of Flyability’s innovations, identify new use cases, and strengthen the bond between Holcim’s drone pilots and Flyability’s team. With 25 participants from across the company, the event emphasized the importance of continuous collaboration beyond product development, as highlighted by Patrick Thévoz, CEO of Flyability, who encouraged attendees to “keep working closely with Flyability, even after the next feature is developed.” By the end of the event, it was clear that drones had become an essential tool for Holcim, offering both operational efficiency and safety improvements.

Watch the event video below.

Driving Innovation Through Partnership

Flyability and Holcim have built a strong, innovative partnership that is reshaping the future of the cement industry. As a key technology partner, Flyability has developed the Elios drone, specifically tailored for challenging environments like cement plants. Its ability to navigate dusty, confined, and hazardous spaces makes it the only drone capable of delivering high-quality inspections in such conditions. Holcim has embraced this technology wholeheartedly, expanding its drone fleet to 37 units and training over 100 pilots to operate the Elios drones effectively.

Roze Wesby, Global Head of Plants of Tomorrow at Holcim, shared her insights on the impact of drone technology during the event. “With the Plants of Tomorrow initiative, we are leveraging drones to improve health and safety by eliminating the need for human entry into dangerous areas,” she explained. “This not only protects our workers but also boosts profitability. While there are initial costs involved, the long-term savings from reduced scaffolding, minimized downtime, and increased productivity make it a smart investment. Drones help us keep operations running smoothly, which translates into better quality products for our customers worldwide.”

Watch the full interview with Roze Wesby here:

Key Takeaways from the Event

The European PoT Drone Days was more than just a technical showcase—it was a platform for learning, networking, and growth. Attendees participated in hands-on training sessions led by Flyability engineers, gained insight into the latest drone advancements, and engaged in discussions about real-world applications. The event also provided a space for pilots to share their experiences, exchange best practices, and explore new ways to integrate drones into their daily operations. It reinforced the importance of the Plants of Tomorrow initiative and deepened the sense of community among Holcim’s drone pilots.

Participants left the event feeling more confident in their ability to use Elios drones effectively and more connected to the broader drone community. The positive feedback received confirmed that the event met its goals of fostering collaboration, improving skills, and highlighting the value of drone technology in the cement industry. For Flyability, it was a valuable opportunity to engage directly with users and understand how their technology can continue to evolve to meet the needs of the sector.

Looking Ahead

The success of the European PoT Drone Days marks a significant step forward in the ongoing partnership between Holcim and Flyability. It demonstrated how drone technology can transform industrial operations, making them safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. As Holcim continues to expand its drone program, the lessons learned from this event will play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives. With a growing fleet of drones and a dedicated team of pilots, Holcim is well-positioned to lead the way in innovation within the cement industry. The event not only celebrated past achievements but also set the stage for even greater advancements in the years to come.

MAZDA HONDA VVT SOLENOID

Variable valve timing (VVT) solenoid or oil control valve controls the oil flow according to the engine speed and load. VVT solenoid is a vital part of the variable valve timing system.
The Oil Control Valve (OCV) is a a critical part used in every engine that is fitted with variable valve technology (VVT). A single control valve will regulate the supply of oil to a designated VVT hub, to advance or retard the timing by altering the camshaft angle position. Controlled by the ECU, the OCV receives electrical signals, instructing it to adjust the oil flow as required, in accordance to current driving conditions.

Vvt Solenoid Honda Accord,Honda Vvt Solenoid,Cam Phaser Solenoid,Vvt Valve Solenoid

Wenzhou Zhongking Parts Co.,ltd , https://www.oemvvt.com