Elios 3 Return To Home - User Guide
Introduction
Smart Return-To-Home (Smart RTH) can autonomously return the Elios 3 back to the take-off location. It uses its knowledge of the environment to find the shortest way home, even in complex spaces.
The RTH feature can only be activated by the pilot. Once triggered, the Elios 3 will return to 1m above the take-off location or the closest safe position. It is important to monitor the return in case pilot intervention is needed.
Prerequisites
The following is needed for access to Smart Return-To-Home(Smart RTH).
Premium Software subscription
Smart RTH is available through paid subscription.
Updated Firmware version
Cockpit and Elios 3 firmware versions to 2025.01 or newer.
LiDAR payload
The Elios 3 needs to have a LiDAR payload equipped.
Important Considerations
The Smart Return-to-Home feature is not intended for dynamic environments and care needs to be taken when using it to avoid incidents.
When using Smart RTH:
Always maintain visual contact and keep your hands on the remote control.
RTH may not work in all environments or conditions.
Thin obstacles may not be detected and could cause collisions.
LiDAR blindspot - RTH is unable to see the bottom front of the Elios 3 when traveling forward.
This limits the Elios 3’s ability to detect dynamic obstacles that are present when returning.
Return to home will not be activatable unless the disclaimer is accepted by tapping the I Understand button.
How to use Smart Return-To-Home
There are several features available to assist pilots when using Smart Return-To-Home, accessible through the Cockpit interface.
Interface
Smart RTH has additional elements available in Cockpit enabling its function. Refer to the screenshot and numbered descriptions:
(1) Flight management gauge
The flight management gauge displayed in Cockpit provides a visual representation of the drone's remaining flight time. Each color represents each stage of the remaining flight time.
Time (01:18)
Shows the estimated remaining flight time. Calculated using the remaining energy of the battery and expected power consumption of the platform. Monitor available remaining flight time.
Green
Shows the estimated remaining time available for inspection before reaching the return threshold. Monitor time remaining before returning home
Yellow
The suggestion to return to home based on the selected safety buffer. (e.g. “Just in time: 20s” or “Play it safe: 1 min”). Suggested to select Smart RTH as needed.
H
The yellow H marker indicates the last possible moment to manually trigger the RTH before the drone no longer has enough battery to return safely. Suggested to activate the Smart Return-To-Home button if needed.
Red
The estimated time is not enough for the drone to return home. The system estimates there is not enough battery for the Elios 3 to return to the take-off point.
(2) RTH Button
Tap the Return to Home button for the feature to engage. This can be initiated once the button is green or orange. Cockpit will also suggest its selection based on the safety buffer selected.
RTH is initializing and not available.
This appears at the start of the flight while the Elios 3 is within 1.5m of the take-off point, and after RTH successfully completes.
RTH function is available
Tap to initiate the RTH function. The pilot must monitor the RTH.
RTH function is available, but the quality of the map has degraded. Use with caution.
Tap to initiate RTH function. The pilot must monitor the RTH.
RTH function is not available.
RTH function suggested based on the safety time buffer selected.
Tap to initiate the Smart RTH function, and monitor return.
RTH function suggested to select based on the safety time buffer selected. Use with caution.
Tap to initiate RTH function, and monitor closely.
RTH in process. Elios 3 returning home.
Tap to Stop Smart Return-To-Home. Monitor to ensure safe return.
(3) Route home
The RTH function continuously calculates and displays the shortest way to the take-off point. This route is displayed in green for visibility.
(4) Take-off point
The yellow H-icon on the live map indicates the take-off location.
Set the safety buffer
Select the amount of buffer for calculating the Smart RTH suggested time. This feature is accessible in the General Settings menu:
(1) There are three options:
Selection
Description
Just in time: 20s
Uses a 20 second buffer when calculating the time for the suggested RTH button.
Play it safe: 1 min
Uses a 60 second buffer when calculating the time for the suggested RTH button.
RTH Important Notice
Link to the RTH Important Notice for the pilot to decide “I Understand” (i.e. the RTH feature is enabled) or “Cancel” (i.e. the RTH feature is disabled).
Activate Smart RTH
Steps to activate the Smart RTH feature:
Read and accept the Smart RTH disclaimer.
The disclaimer is presented when opening or creating a new Inspection. It is also available in the Settings menu. If not accepted, Smart RTH will not be available for activation.
Take off and commence the flight. Smart RTH will not be available/visible until the feature has finished initializing.
Tap the Smart RTH button to initiate the Smart Return-To-Home function. Maintain constant observation, and readiness to take control if needed.
The LiDAR is unable to detect clear water, transparent objects and other objects in its blind spot. It is important to maintain visual contact to avoid landing in unsafe conditions, or colliding with moving/moved obstacles/persons.
Smart RTH trusts a trajectory it has already flown and may return at maximum speed when following these trajectories. New obstacles/persons presented are exposed to the danger of collision.
Smart RTH will return control to the pilot to land once 1m above the take-off location.
Limitations
Limitations to be aware of for safe Smart Return-To-Home operation:
Automation data is single flight only.
Only current flight data is considered, data is not leveraged across multiple flights.
Blind spot
The LiDAR scanner can’t see in the front bottom part of the Elios 3.
Dynamic obstacles may not be seen by the Elios 3.
The field of view is limited and could miss moving features. Return to Home is not supported in dynamic environments.
Appearance of new obstacles in previously flown flight path. e.g. door closes, someone stands in the way.
RTH trusts the trajectory it has already flown and may return at maximum speed when following these trajectories. New obstacles/persons presented are exposed to the danger of collision.
Transparent objects
LiDAR can’t see glass or other transparent materials. The Elios 3 may think the space is traversable and try to go through, which could lead to a crash
Water
Clear water is not detected by LiDAR, and not considered in the RTH path, which could lead to crashes. Same when emergency landing, water will not be detected and should be avoided by the pilot.
Thin objects
LiDAR can’t detect thin probes and wires, leading to collision risks
Dust
Dust may be misinterpreted as obstacles, leading to repeated path replanning. Performance may be affected in environments with high density of dust.
“No-fly zone”
Any asset with an "excluded" area, such as dangerous zones in a nuclear plant or the side of a bridge with active traffic, should be considered carefully. The RTH optimal path may suggest flying over an "excluded" area.
Strong Wind
When strong airflow halts the Elios 3’s progress, this will be detected as obstruction and deactivate RTH.
Drone may slow down unexpectedly outdoors or when a shortcut is found.
The velocity in AUTO mode is linked to the amount of data collected in the immediate vicinity. Velocity increases/decreases where the Elios 3 knows the environment better/less.
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