Parrot invests CHF2.4 million in Pix4D

Pix4D develops advanced image processing algorithms making it possible to analyze and combine multiple aerial images to build three-dimensional (3D) models of the environment they depict. Pix4UAV is a unique software package that automatically converts thousands of standard pictures, taken by readily available drones, into a professional geo-referenced image. Compared with existing 3D mapping technologies, Pix4D’s proprietary solutions are fully automatic, faster, cost-effective, and often with better accuracy.

Pix4D sells its products to UAV manufacturers for bundling or directly to farming, mining, construction and exploration companies that need to create a timeline of 3D images (i.e. 4D imaging). Professional surveyors also benefit from huge productivity gains by allowing them to survey large areas and volumes, with up to 5 centimeters accuracy, within minutes instead of days of traditional ground measurements.

“Parrot’s investment enables Pix4D to strengthen its position as the leading software provider for processing aerial images collected by professional drones.” said Christoph Strecha, Pix4D's CEO. “The collaboration with Parrot, and it’s very successful quadcopter AR.Drone, will open the consumer market where Pix4D's technology will be used to create a new dimension in Augmented Reality (AR) user-experience and 4D gaming.”

Founded in 2011, following more than ten years of leading scientific research, Pix4D has become the main provider for professional unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) processing software. Started as a spin-off of the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) in Switzerland, Pix4D is a dynamic and rapidly expanding company. Pix4D’s clients already include the United Nations, global mining companies and survey companies all over the world.

With the fast technological advances in miniaturized autopilots and digital cameras, lightweight autonomous flying platforms are increasingly used to generate up-to-date and detailed environmental maps and geographical information data. Furthermore, recent changes to the regulatory framework for civilian drones will drive UAV adoption and help address the soaring demand for GIS data (CAGR of 15.5% since 2004).