In the evolving landscape of UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) lidar technology, two industry leaders, Teledyne Geospatial and Inertial Labs, have joined forces to introduce EchoONE. Launched in September 2024, EchoONE represents a groundbreaking advancement in lightweight, high-performance lidar technology. Designed for affordability, precision, and compliance with stringent data security standards, this new system is set to change the game for industries such as land surveying, utility management, transportation, and infrastructure.
EchoONE is the result of a unique collaboration that combines Teledyne’s advanced lidar and camera technology with Inertial Labs’ expertise in Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) and Inertial Navigation Systems (INS). “This collaboration allowed us to deliver a product that genuinely meets the needs of diverse industries,” said Mark Treiber, Product Manager at Teledyne Geospatial, in a recent interview. “It’s not just about lidar; it’s about creating a comprehensive tool that brings reliability and ease of use to every project.”
Bridging Two Worlds: A Collaboration Rooted in Complementary Strengths
The EchoONE project was born from a desire to merge the best capabilities of two companies with strong track records in sensor technology. Teledyne Geospatial brought its long-standing expertise in developing long-range lidar systems, producing the EchoONE’s lidar sensor entirely in-house, instead of relying on off-the-shelf components. This bespoke approach allows for greater control over the sensor’s specifications and performance.
Meanwhile, Inertial Labs integrated its IMU and INS technology, which are essential for accurate positioning and orientation. Their RESEPI (Remote Sensing Payload Instrument) technology enables seamless data integration, further enhancing EchoONE’s capabilities. “We recognized an opportunity to leverage our mutual strengths to develop a solution that fills a gap in the market,” Treiber explained.
The result is a UAV lidar system that offers an unprecedented combination of performance, flexibility, and compliance—without the trade-offs that often force customers to compromise between different features.