Flyability Elios 3 Drone Inspection Singapore — Confined Space Specialist
Published 15 April 2026 · SG Drone Inspections
Flyability Elios 3 Drone Inspection Singapore
Confined space inspection is one of the most dangerous activities in industrial operations. In Singapore, the Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to eliminate risks as the first priority in the hierarchy of controls. Drone inspection achieves this by removing the need for human entry entirely.
This guide covers confined space drone inspection technology, applications in Singapore's industrial sector, and compliance with WSH regulations.
Technology Overview
Collision-Tolerant Design
The Flyability Elios 3 is enclosed in a protective carbon fibre cage that allows it to bounce off walls, ceilings, and obstacles without damage or loss of control.
Multi-Sensor Payload
4K camera for visual inspection, radiometric thermal sensor for temperature analysis, and LiDAR scanner for 3D mapping — all in a single compact platform.
GPS-Denied Navigation
Confined spaces have no GPS signal. The Elios 3 uses visual-inertial navigation for stable flight in complete GPS denial.
Compact Access
Fits through standard manholes and access hatches as small as 40cm x 40cm, accessing spaces that would require extensive preparation for human entry.
Applications in Singapore
| Application | Assets | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Petrochemical | Storage tanks, pressure vessels, reactors | Jurong Island, Tuas |
| Maritime | Ballast tanks, cargo holds, void spaces | Keppel, Sembcorp, Tuas shipyards |
| Water Infrastructure | Water tanks, treatment chambers | PUB facilities island-wide |
| Building Services | HVAC ducts, ceiling voids, tunnels | Commercial buildings island-wide |
WSH Compliance Benefits
- Eliminate Entry Risk — the hierarchy of controls requires elimination as the first option. Drone inspection eliminates confined space entry entirely.
- No Atmospheric Monitoring — since no person enters, atmospheric testing for the space is not required for the inspection.
- No Rescue Team — eliminating entry eliminates the need for confined space rescue standby personnel.
- Reduced Downtime — inspections can often proceed without full tank cleaning or gas-freeing.
- Documentation — drone inspection provides objective, repeatable condition documentation meeting WSH evidence requirements.
Cost and Safety Comparison
| Factor | Drone Inspection | Manned Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Personnel at risk | Zero | 2-4 entrants + rescue team |
| Setup time | 1-2 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Inspection time | 2-4 hours | 4-8 hours with breaks |
| Total personnel | 2-3 | 6-8 |
| Cost | $3,000-$8,000 | $8,000-$20,000+ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Technical Specifications and Capabilities
Understanding the technical capabilities of confined space inspection drones helps asset owners appreciate what data they will receive and how it compares to traditional manned entry methods.
| Specification | Flyability Elios 3 | Manned Entry |
|---|---|---|
| Visual Camera | 4K video, 12MP stills | Handheld camera (variable) |
| Thermal Sensor | Radiometric FLIR, 160x120 | Handheld thermal (if carried) |
| 3D Mapping | LiDAR point cloud | Not available |
| Access Size | 40cm x 40cm minimum opening | Standard manhole (60cm) |
| Flight Duration | Up to 12 minutes per battery | Limited by atmosphere/fatigue |
| Lighting | 10,000 lumen onboard LED | Headlamp + torch |
| Safety Risk | Zero human exposure | Atmospheric, physical, engulfment |
The LiDAR capability of the Elios 3 deserves special mention. While inspecting the interior of a tank or vessel, the drone simultaneously creates a 3D point cloud model of the space. This digital twin can be used for volumetric calculations, wall thickness trending, and precise location referencing of defects — capabilities that are not available through traditional visual inspection.
Planning a Confined Space Drone Inspection
Successful confined space drone inspections require planning specific to the asset type and condition. Here is what we need from you and what we handle.
Information We Need
Asset drawings showing internal dimensions, access point locations and sizes, contents history (what has been stored), internal structures or baffles, and any known defect areas from previous inspections.
Preparation Required
The space should be emptied of contents and ideally cleaned of loose debris. Access hatches should be opened. For tanks with floating roofs, the roof position should be documented.
What We Handle
All CAAS permits, equipment mobilisation, pilot operations, data capture, analysis, and reporting. We also coordinate with your site safety team and comply with all site-specific PTW requirements.
Deliverables
HD video of the complete internal survey, high-resolution still photographs of all surfaces and defects, thermal data showing temperature anomalies, 3D LiDAR point cloud, and comprehensive condition report.
Regulatory Framework in Singapore
Singapore's regulatory framework strongly supports the adoption of drone technology for confined space inspections through the principle of hazard elimination.
The Workplace Safety and Health Act requires employers to take reasonably practicable measures to ensure safety. The hierarchy of controls prioritises elimination of hazards above all other measures. When a drone can perform the inspection without human entry, using manned entry instead may be difficult to justify as meeting the "reasonably practicable" standard.
MOM's Code of Practice for Working in Confined Spaces details the extensive requirements for manned entry — atmospheric monitoring, rescue standby, entry permits, communication systems, and trained personnel. Each of these requirements represents a cost and complexity that drone inspection eliminates entirely.
For Jurong Island operations, the Major Hazard Installations (MHI) regulations add another layer of safety requirements for confined space work. Drone inspection aligns with the MHI principle of minimising human exposure to hazardous environments during routine maintenance and inspection activities.
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