Press Releases

Leading Australian data capture drone manufacturer and solutions provider Carbonix have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Hitachi Vantara, a global leader in providing intelligent data platforms, infrastructure systems and digital expertise.

With Hitachi Vantara taking delivery of a Volanti - Carbonix's advanced all-electric fixed-wing uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAV) - earlier this week, the strategic partnership aims to leverage its capabilities to provide imaging data for agriculture, mining sustainability and rehabilitation projects, as well as image-based infrastructure initiatives.

Hitachi Vantara will also integrate Carbonix platforms into its data analytics capabilities, aiming to enhance the actionable insights derived from the UAV-captured images. Together, the two companies will further explore opportunities to leverage the unique capabilities of the Volanti.

This collaboration between Carbonix and Hitachi Vantara builds upon a five-year working relationship, during which they have collaborated on multiple projects catering to customers like Meat & Livestock Australia. Notably, their joint efforts have contributed to the development and assessment of UAV-supported technologies and data capture for extensive beef production in northern Australia. Volanti, with its vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities and two-hour plus flight time, has proven ideal for infrastructure inspections, paddock surveys of pasture biomass, and animal counting.

Carbonix CEO Philip van der Burg said the relationship with Hitachi Vitara continues to go from strength to strength. “We are thrilled to continue our work with Hitachi Vantara, a company that shares our key values of enabling cost-effective data acquisition and insights while reducing environmental impact and operational risk to personnel,” says van der Burg.

Hitachi Vantara Senior Director Owen Keates said, “Industry 4.0, and digital transformation in general, is driven by sensors and connectivity. An advanced UAV such as the Volanti takes “sensing” to a new level, providing a platform that can support sophisticated imaging equipment across a variety of applications to provide actionable insights.

“We are looking forward to exploring new frontiers in IoT with Carbonix,” said Keates.

About Carbonix

Carbonix creates and provides uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) that enable precision long-range data capture at scale. Safe and effective, our intelligent aerial data capture systems enable significant reduction in risk of injury and downtime associated with outdated, expensive and polluting aircraft surveillance methods. Carbonix UAS offer superior endurance, payload capacity and flight performance unmatched by any drone in our class. Our UAS are able to capture high-resolution data over large geographic areas and complex terrain. By exponentially increasing access to data, we improve workflows, radically reduce costs, empower critical insights and lower carbon emissions. Engineered and rigorously tested to meet the most challenging mission requirements, Carbonix UAS are equipped with advanced (multi) sensors providing efficient, accurate data to critical infrastructure industries such as mining and energy networks. Founded and headquartered in Sydney, Australia, Carbonix has a network of global partners providing our customers access to experts for operational support to ensure mission success.

Carbonix has partnered with the likes of Ausgrid to provide a platform enabling remote powerline transmission inspection and Australia’s leading university, ANU (Australian National University), on the early detection of bushfires.

www.carbonix.com.au

About Hitachi Vantara

Hitachi Vantara, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hitachi Ltd., delivers the intelligent data platforms, infrastructure systems, and digital expertise that supports more than 80% of the Fortune 100. To learn how Hitachi Vantara turns businesses from data-rich to data-driven through agile digital processes, products, and experiences, visit www.hitachivantara.com

About Hitachi, Ltd.

Hitachi drives Social Innovation Business, creating a sustainable society through the use of data and technology. We solve customers' and society's challenges with Lumada solutions leveraging IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products. Hitachi operates under the business structure of “Digital Systems & Services” - supporting our customers’ digital transformation; “Green Energy & Mobility” - contributing to a decarbonized society through energy and railway systems, and “Connective Industries” - connecting products through digital technology to provide solutions in various industries. Driven by Digital, Green, and Innovation, we aim for growth through co-creation with our customers. The company’s consolidated revenues for fiscal year 2022 (ended March 31, 2023) totaled 10,881.1 billion yen, with 696 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 320,000 employees worldwide. For more information on Hitachi, please visit the company's website at https://www.hitachi.com.