JLR trials drone-based inspection technology

Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is trialling drone technology at its Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre (EPMC) in Wolverhampton, dramatically reducing machinery and site inspection time by up to 95%. The pilot is seen as an important step forward in operational efficiency and employee safety, aligning with JLR’s vision for its factories of the future.

The Elios 3 drone by Flyability reaches high and confined spaces, allowing maintenance teams to inspect equipment safely from the factory floor, eliminating the need for elevated platforms and reducing risk. Operated via tablet, the drone delivers a live 3-D map to identify and troubleshoot issues. This helps JLR to better prevent against costly maintenance downtime, while also freeing up employees’ time to focus on additional business critical tasks.

Nigel Blenkinsop, executive director of industrial operations, said: As we transform our facilities, we are rethinking every part of our factories, including how we maintain and operate them. Trials like this one with advanced drone technology are helping us improve employee safety, reduce maintenance downtime and operate more efficiently. Just as importantly, they are helping upskill our people in the latest digital technologies, ensuring our teams are part of our factories of the future.”

The drone uses Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors to send out laser light pulses which bounce back to the drone when it hits an object. By timing how long the pulses take to return, it calculates distances to create detailed 3-D maps of the surrounding environment.

Optimising energy use
In addition, the drone features a thermal camera to help pinpoint overheating components or insulation failures, helping optimise energy use by detecting inefficiencies early and supporting JLR’s efforts to reduce its overall operational emissions.

Shantnu Mehta, project engineer at JLR, added: “I never imagined I would be learning to fly drones as part of my role. It has been exciting to learn how to use this technology and the skills I have developed will stay with me throughout my career. Being part of such an innovative project and contributing to how we are transforming our factories for the future is something I am genuinely proud of.”

Following successful trials at EPMC, the next phase will take place at JLR’s Logistics Operations Centre (LOC) in Solihull — a vast warehouse space equivalent to 13 football pitches (around 91,800m²). Here, the drone will be equipped with barcode scanners to automate inventory checks, replacing manual processes and enabling faster, more accurate stock updates. This will help improve safety, reduce errors, and support smarter decisions on space, stock levels and supply flow.

The initiative is part of JLR’s £3.8 billion annual investment into industrial transformation, new products and technology, and is being explored through its Open Innovation programme. It also supports JLR’s Future Skills programme, which aims to train 29,000 employees in electrification and digital skills.