Hexagon, leading global provider of design, measurement and visualisation solutions, has acquired Aibotix, a manufacturer of intelligent multicopter systems for high-efficiency aerial applications.

Headquartered in Kassel, Germany, Aibotix is the maker of Aibot X6, a new generation of vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Intelligent, autonomous and safe, the multi-rotor platform is designed to suit the needs of customers in the industrial inspection, aerial mapping, surveying, utility and security markets.

UAV-based solutions are ideal for delivering up-to-date geospatial information and aiding in hard to reach areas - such as difficult infrastructure inspections of power lines (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wkbWEMq_cOg), bridges and dams to locally focused mapping tasks of buildings or any vertical structure. They are quickly becoming a viable tool for key market segments that require application-specific solutions; where the UAV becomes an integral part of the workflow process, delivering essential pieces of information that drive actionable intelligence.

"The Aibotix acquisition is an important addition to Hexagon's photogrammetric and mapping technologies portfolio," said Hexagon President and CEO Ola Roll�n. "The growing number of applications for UAV-based solutions offers huge growth potential, especially in areas that require frequent and local updates such as smart city applications, dynamic GIS, and emergency response."

Aibotix will be fully consolidated as of today. The acquisition has no significant impact on Hexagon's earnings.

Hexagon (NASDAQ OMX Stockholm: HEXA B) is a leading global provider of design, measurement and visualisation technologies. Our customers can design, measure and position objects, and process and present data, to stay one step ahead of a changing world. Hexagon's solutions increase productivity, enhance quality and allow for faster, better operational decisions, saving time, money and resources. Hexagon has more than 14,000 employees in over 40 countries and net sales of about 2,400 MEUR. Our products are used in a broad range of industries including surveying, power and energy, aerospace and defence, construction, safety and security, automotive and manufacturing. Learn more at www.hexagon.com.