Fotokite AG

About Fotokite

Fotokite (originally Perspective Robotics AG) is an ETH Zurich spin-off headquartered in Zurich that develops, manufactures and sells fully autonomous, actively tethered drone systems for situational awareness of first responders. The Fotokite Sigma product launches, flies and lands at the push of a button without a pilot and delivers real-time aerial imagery via color zoom and radiometric thermal imaging cameras on a three-axis gimbal, which can be streamed to up to 50 participants. The system weighs approximately 1.3 kg, consists of a carbon frame, is IP55-robust and achieves flight times of over 24 hours at a maximum flight altitude of 45 m (150 ft). With the Rooftop Box and the Transport Case, vehicle-integrated and cross-vehicle configurations are available; an open API enables integrations, among others, into Axon Evidence. Customers include fire departments and agencies such as FDNY, Chicago Fire Department, Paris Fire Brigade and Zurich Fire & Rescue.

Site

Zürich

Processes

Autonomous tethered drone systems (Fotokite Sigma), Fotokite Live operating software / livestreaming (color + thermal, up to 50 viewers), API for integrations into existing workflows/software, Integration with Axon Evidence.com and Axon Respond, Rooftop Box vehicle integration, Transport Case configuration, Support & training, Remote Control (EVLOS/BVLOS depending on approval)

Materials

Carbon Fiber

Founded

2014

Industries

Fire departments, Emergency medical services/EMS, Police/Law Enforcement, Defense/Military, Disaster relief, Infrastructure monitoring

1. 01

   In-house Engineering & Design

2. 02

   System development (electronics, mechanics, software)

3. 03

   Manufacturing (USA)

4. 04

   Assembly & configuration (Rooftop Box / Transport Case)

5. 05

   Software & API

6. 06

   Support & training

Materials & Technologies

Locations

Company History

1. 2014

   Founded as Perspective Robotics (ETH Zurich spin-off); first NCCR Spin Fund Grant

2. 2016

   Start of work on industry-grade systems; focus on public safety

3. 2018

   1st prize at GENIUS NY (world's largest UAS accelerator); pilotless operation possible in the USA (FAA Reauthorization Bill)

4. 2019

   First public safety product for the US Fire & Rescue market, together with Pierce Manufacturing

5. 2020

   Launch of Sigma Rooftop; expansion of manufacturing in the USA; partnerships with Axon and Emergency One Group

6. 2021

   iF Gold Design Award 2021 and Swiss Design Prize

7. 2023

   Partnership with PSTR Group for Australia