Pretoria, South Africa – 03 December 2025: Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) is taking a giant leap toward the factories of the future with its latest pilot at the Electric Propulsion Manufacturing Centre (EPMC) in Wolverhampton. By integrating drone technology, JLR has cut traditional machinery inspection time from four hours to just ten minutes—an efficiency boost of up to 95% that also enhances employee safety.
The Elios 3 drone, developed by Flyability, is capable of navigating confined and elevated spaces, enabling maintenance teams to inspect equipment directly from the factory floor. Equipped with LiDAR sensors and a thermal camera, the drone produces live 3D maps to identify potential issues, from overheating components to insulation faults, allowing for faster troubleshooting and minimising maintenance downtime.
Nigel Blenkinsop, Executive Director of Industrial Operations, commented:
“As we transform our facilities, we’re 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’re helping upskill our people in the latest digital technologies, ensuring our teams are part of our factories of the future.”
Project Engineer Shantnu Mehta added:
“I never imagined I’d be learning to fly drones as part of my role. It’s been exciting to use this technology, and the skills I’ve developed will stay with me throughout my career. Being part of such an innovative project and contributing to how we’re transforming our factories for the future is something I’m genuinely proud of.”
The next phase of the trial will take place at JLR’s Logistics Operations Centre (LOC) in Solihull. Here, drones will be equipped with barcode scanners to automate inventory checks across the warehouse, which spans approximately 91,800m²—equivalent to thirteen football pitches. This shift from manual stocktaking to automated scanning promises faster, more accurate stock updates, improved workplace safety, and smarter decisions regarding space, stock levels, and supply flow.
JLR’s drone initiative forms part of the company’s broader £18 billion investment over five years, explored through its Open Innovation programme. It also supports the Future Skills programme, aimed at training 29,000 employees in electrification and digital technologies, ensuring JLR’s workforce is fully prepared for the next generation of automotive manufacturing.
With drones taking on time-consuming and risky tasks, JLR is demonstrating how technology can enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability—truly reimagining the factory experience.
