Hexagon Takes over UAV Manufacturer Aibotix

The Hexagon Group from Sweden has taken over Aibotix, a company specialised in developing flying robots based in Kassel, Germany. Hexagon is a leading global provider of integrated design, measurement and visualisation technologies, with Leica Geosystems and Intergraph also belonging to the Hexagon Group. The takeover is clear recognition of the growing role of UAVs in the geomatics sector.

As part of Hexagon, Aibotix can access an international sales structure and integrate a wide range of sensors and software, as well as benefiting from Hexagon's many years of experience in professional solutions. Jörg Lamprecht, CEO and founder of Aibotix, said he is pleased that the Hexagon Group as a leader has decided for them and savours the innovative power of the company. This allows Aibotix to strengthen its market position, expand its development and to offer together with the Hexagon Group wide and fully integrated solutions across multiple vertical markets, such as inspections and mapping.

Hexagon Technologies has a worldwide reputation when it comes to rapidly measuring large amounts of complex data that are visualised via engineering and geospatial software. The products of Aibotix are designed for delivering highly accurate geoinformation, which is regarded as an excellent complement to the Hexagon products. Combining the surveying technologies with the products of Aibotix is expected to lead to many highly innovative applications for small and large businesses alike.

Aibotix and Leica Geosystems have already entered into a strategic partnership in May 2013 to develop the inspection and monitoring market from the air, and this takeover will now give further shape to the cooperation between Leica and Aibotix.

The Aibotix acquisition is an important addition to Hexagon’s photogrammetric and mapping technologies portfolio, said Hexagon president and CEO Ola Rollén. The growing number of applications for UAV-based solutions offers huge growth potential, especially in areas that require frequent and local updates such as smart city applications, dynamic GIS and emergency response.

Photo: The Aibot X6 UAV also gained attention at the Oldenburger 3D-Tage last week.