This year at DCW, we’ve partnered with Leica Geosystems and its new BLK autonomous solutions to bring you a UK exclusive series of live demonstrations at the show.
We spoke to Product Manager Pascale Strupler about the new BLK2FLY and what to expect at show this month.
How do I control the BLK2FLY?
The BLK2FLY is as simple to use as possible and relies on app-based controls. You unfold the device, press the power button, and control everything remotely within the BLK2FLY Live app, which connects through WLAN and LTE. You can plan your projects within the app, and the BLK2FLY will autonomously fly, scan, and complete its mission. You can also get a 2D or 3D view of all that the BLK2FLY captures while in the air and monitor or change the BLK2FLY flight path in real-time. If needed or preferred, you can pilot the device manually using virtual joysticks, an essential safety feature that always keeps you in control.
What features are in the BLK2FLY Live App?
The BLK2FLY Live App monitors flight and data capture and relies on direct touch inputs for you to control the BLK2FLY in the air. Other features include panning around to change viewing direction, pinching to zoom, and double-tapping on live image, all while the BLK2FLY adapts its viewpoint accordingly. You can easily send the BLK2FLY to scan a new area by selecting the area through a point system directly on the 3D view in the app on your tablet. The BLK2FLY will then create its flight path to scan that area quickly and safely.
How do I view what I’ve captured with the BLK2FLY?
The BLK2FLY offers full visual feedback. With the BLK2FLY Live App, you can watch the flight through live panoramic video streamed back from the 5-camera system, or you can get a live 3D view of the environment you’re capturing. Once the scan is complete, data captured from the BLK2FLY can be uploaded to HxDR, giving you access to view, share, and store your data, all in the cloud.
How do I set up scan missions for the BLK2FLY?
Select the area directly on the panoramic live view of the desired areas/objects you want to scan, and the BLK2FLY will plan an optimal flight path avoiding any obstacles along the way.
How does the BLK2FLY capture reliable scans while up in the air?
Throughout the scan mission, BLK2FLY will adapt to the object it’s scanning. Throughout the scan mission, BLK2FLY will adapt to the object it’s scanning. The BLK2FLY keeps an ideal scanning distance from its objects, allowing for consistent point density, resolution, and fine details within the scan. This enables the BLK2FLY to deliver a uniform clean scan while also eliminating scan shadows. The BLK2FLY also offers a real-time 3D view of the scanned environment, so you can check for completeness and make adjustments while the scan mission is still going.
Do I need certification or specialized training to operate the BLK2FLY?
The BLK2FLY is designed to be simple, safe, and easy to use for anyone, keeping workflows smooth and stress-free. No specialized training is needed, and anyone can operate it with no prior flight experience. However, a UAV pilot license is required, and you will need to consult your local or national flight regulations.
What protects the BLK2FLY from damage on scanning missions?
The BLK2FLY features full spherical obstacle avoidance and autonomous flight path planning powered by our GrandSLAM technology. A fusion of LiDAR SLAM, cameras, GNSS, and additional data from radar modules integrated throughout the BLK2FLY facilitates an easy and safe flight through the sky. The BLK2FLY computes its own flight and scan paths, and integrated GrandSLAM allows for the BLK2FLY to avoid any obstacles on the way and return to the launch point on the shortest path possible. We also included GNSS for absolute data geo-referencing, which identifies the device’s location, then calculates and optimizes the safest, most efficient route to take when scanning, all while maintaining proper distance from the desired scanning subject.
What’s the battery life like for the BLK2FLY while in the air?
The BLK2FLY’s battery, while in the air, runs for approximately 13 minutes. The BLK2FLY has a hot-swap battery system and will propose to initiate a return to home once the battery is low, then continue its scan mission once it has a new battery. Also, if the iPad loses the connection for both WLAN and LTE, BLK2FLY will automatically return to the launch point.
What about aviation requirements?
BLK2FLY supports all regulatory aviation requirements like remote ID in the US and Europe and will inform the operator of local airspace breaches.
How to store/travel with the BLK2FLY?
In its simple and foldable form, the BLK2FLY is the smallest flying laser scanner on the market. It only weighs 2.6 kg (5.95 lbs.), and you can easily fold it into a case and fit it in an airplane overhead compartment.
See the Leica BLK2FLY at DCW 2021
Experience this ground-breaking technology in action in a mock construction environment on the show floor at DCW, alongside a presentation exploring autonomy in the built environment.
Don’t miss out on this UK exclusive demonstration. Register for your free to ticket to attend DCW 2021 now.