Hexagon unveils BLK2FLY for next-level indoor scanning autonomy

The Leica BLK2FLY is now able to scan indoors, providing expanded coverage for complex scanning projects. According to Leica Geosystems, part of Hexagon, the BLK2FLY now unlocks a new level of autonomy to build digital twins of entire structures, inside and outside.

3D reality capture of building exteriors and interiors is necessary to create complete digital twins. The BLK2FLY’s new indoor scanning capability expands users’ abilities to do this. Hexagon enhanced the autonomous UAV scanning system to allow for safe, effective indoor navigation and capturing. This capability also expands the BLK2FLY’s ability to capture various environments outdoors.

GNSS-denied environments

The BLK2FLY can scan in areas without GNSS availability, opening reality capture opportunities in new settings and with new applications, including hazardous indoor areas like nuclear power plants. Increased performance of the autonomous navigation system heightens the sensor’s spatial awareness, allowing for obstacle avoidance in more confined spaces. This new capability relies upon advancements to Hexagon’s visual SLAM system, providing real-time spherical imaging that improves the operating range to a radius of 1.5 meters.

“The BLK2FLY, with its advanced autonomous UAV-based scanning, redefined reality capture workflows for multiple industries, especially digital construction, architecture, historic preservation and utilities,” says Pascal Strupler, business director of autonomous reality capture at Hexagon’s Geosystems division. “Digital realities are a crucial component of those workflows, and now that the BLK2FLY is able to scan indoors, users can create complete, comprehensive digital twins of buildings and structures.”

The Lidar UAV complements Hexagon’s terrestrial and autonomous sensor portfolio, and when combined, they create complete coverage for any scanning project. Users can also take advantage of Reality Cloud Studio, powered by HxDR, Hexagon’s cloud application that enables uploading of data to the cloud from the field using a tablet or smartphone to register, mesh and create 3D models of their data from the field automatically.

The BLK2FLY’s new indoor scanning capabilities are a significant advancement in reality capture technology and are provided at no extra cost to all current and future BLK2FLY users. They are available via firmware update.