What Grupo DR1 does

Grupo DR1 is a Brazilian enterprise drone services company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, operating as part of the global Aerodyne Group. It delivers industrial inspection and asset monitoring to large customers across oil & gas (Petrobras, Shell, TotalEnergies, Equinor, SBM Offshore, MODEC, Seadrill, Prosafe, Perenco, Transocean), energy and renewables (Siemens Gamesa, TBG, Evoltz, Votorantim, Raízen, Brava Energia), mining and steel (Vale, CSN, Ternium, Codelco, Klabin), infrastructure (Ecoponte, Porto Sudest, OCYAN, American Tower) and adjacent industrial customers in Brazil and selected Latin American markets.

The company operates a three-pillar model: DT1 Drone Tech delivers Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS) with a specialized fleet that includes the Scout 137 (3D LiDAR navigation for GPS-denied confined spaces with tether power), Voliro contact drones for high-temperature thickness measurement (up to 260°C), SeekOps methane quantification sensors, DJI Zenmuse L2 LiDAR, subsea Mini ROV, thermography payloads and industrial facade cleaning rigs; DT2 Data Tech is a SaaS layer built around the DRONOS platform (formerly Vertikaliti), a rebrand of Aerodyne's asset integrity software offering AI-powered anomaly detection, GIS visualization, machine-learning pattern recognition and cloud-based reporting across wind, solar, telecom and transmission line modules; DT3 Digital Transformation provides integration services to operationalize the data layer within client environments. The company also resells VOTIX drone fleet management software in Brazil under an exclusive sponsorship arrangement.

DR1 pursues enterprise field sales with a consultative sales motion, securing multi-year contracts and high-volume minimum commitments (a 3-year TBG contract covering 2,593 km of pipeline across 5 states, a 3-year Shell offshore environmental monitoring partnership in the Campos Basin, and a Siemens Gamesa minimum of 1,200 turbines inspected per year). It holds Brazilian CAVE authorization for BVLOS drone operations (since 2022) plus ABS and DNV maritime certifications, and operates DR1 Academy for pilot training. In 2023 the company reported 60% revenue growth, headcount above 70%, 45 active clients and 11 new contract wins.

Name

Grupo DR1

Legal name

Grupo DR1

Website

https://grupodr1.com.br

Company type

Private

Founded year

2015

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Brazilian enterprise drone services provider offering AI-powered aerial inspection and asset monitoring for oil & gas, energy, mining, and infrastructure clients. Operates Drone-as-a-Service and SaaS (DRONOS) across Brazil and Latin America under Aerodyne Group.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Industrial Drone Inspection Services and AI Asset Management Software

NAICS

Geophysical Surveying and Mapping Services (541360), Instruments and Related Products Manufacturing for Measuring, Displaying, and Controlling Industrial Process Variables (334513), Environmental Consulting Services (541620)

SIC

Industrial Instruments For Measurement, Display, And Control (3823), Oil & Gas Field Machinery & Equipment (3533), Aircraft Parts & Auxiliary Equipment, Nec (3728)

akta.pro primary industry

UAS Integration, Certification & Compliance Systems (Remote ID, Detect-and-Avoid) (IMABAIAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Drone/UAS Application Services (Spraying, Spreading, Seeding) (AFACAIAB), Drone/UAV Data Capture & Processing Software (AFAAAFAH), UAS Ground Control Stations (GCS) & Remote Operations Infrastructure (IMABAIAL)

Keywords

• Industrial drone inspection
• Aerial asset monitoring
• Drone-as-a-service
• AI asset management
• Confined space inspection

Headquarters

HQ city

Rio De Janeiro

HQ country

Brazil

HQ region

Latin America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Drone-as-a-Service (DaaS): End-to-end drone inspection services including equipment, pilots, regulatory compliance, and data delivery. Services include confined space inspection, aerial inspection, methane measurement, subsea ROV inspection, laser scanning, facade cleaning, and more. Key differentiators include zero CapEx for clients, immediate mobilization, and regulatory compliance assurance.
2. Software-as-a-Service (SaaS): Cloud-based software platforms for asset management and inspection data analysis. Includes Vertikaliti/DRONOS suite (Wind, Solar, Telco, Grid), and Votix fleet management software. Revenue from software licensing and platform access subscriptions.
3. Training and Academy Services: DR1 Academy provides drone pilot training and certification programs, including DR1 360 training to make teams proficient as drone pilots. Training revenue stream supporting client upskilling and regulatory compliance.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Grupo DR1 delivers industrial drone inspection and data acquisition services (Drone-as-a-Service) combined with AI-powered cloud-based asset management SaaS (Vertikaliti/DRONOS suite) for enterprise clients in oil & gas, energy, mining, infrastructure and industrial sectors. Offerings cover confined-space inspection, thickness measurement, methane detection, LiDAR laser scanning, subsea ROV inspection, thermography, facade cleaning, aerial inspection, 3D mapping and environmental monitoring, plus digital transformation integration services.

Product overview

Grupo DR1 offers an integrated portfolio of drone services and software solutions organized under three pillars: DT1 Drone Tech (Drone-as-a-Service for inspection and data collection), DT2 Data Tech (AI-powered SaaS platforms including Vertikaliti and DRONOS for data analysis), and DT3 Digital Transformation (integration services). The DT1 services include specialized drone solutions like the Scout 137 for confined spaces, Voliro for thickness measurement, SeekOps for methane detection, aerial inspection, LiDAR scanning, thermography, facade cleaning, subsea ROV inspection, environmental monitoring, and 3D mapping. The DT2 software layer centers on DRONOS, the unified SaaS platform developed by Aerodyne Group, which includes specialized Vertikaliti modules for wind turbines (Vertikaliti WIND), solar systems (Vertikaliti SOLAR), telecom towers (Vertikaliti TELCO), and transmission lines (Vertikaliti GRID). The company also resells the VOTIX platform for drone fleet management. All solutions are delivered through an ecosystem of technology partnerships including DJI, SeekOps, Voliro, Nearthlab, and Dropbox integration.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DT1 Drone Tech (Drone-as-a-Service) End-to-end Drone-as-a-Service inspection and data collection offering for enterprise clients, including planning, regulatory compliance, secure platform access, immediate mobilization and zero CapEx for clients.
• DT2 Data Tech Cloud-based AI-powered asset management software (Vertikaliti/DRONOS family) that transforms drone-collected data into deep analysis and actionable insights for industrial operators.
• DT3 Digital Transformation Digital transformation integration services that embed drone, IoT and SaaS technologies into clients' operations to make processes faster, more efficient, economical and secure.
• Scout 137 Drone System Confined-space inspection drone system using 3D LiDAR navigation to enable stable flight in GPS-denied environments, with unlimited flight time via tether, anti-collision software, Full HD live video transmission and 4K live preview for real-time remote monitoring.
• DRONOS SaaS Platform Unified SaaS platform developed by the Aerodyne Group that processes and analyzes drone inspection data across multiple sectors, offering AI-powered analysis, asset integrity management, real-time data processing and collaborative intelligence for power transmission, wind, solar, telecommunications and other infrastructure.
• Vertikaliti WIND SaaS platform for wind turbine monitoring using an interactive GIS platform and AI-based data processing, with real-time cloud sensor synchronization, machine learning anomaly detection, turbine health tracking, defect annotation, high-resolution imagery and custom report generation.
• Vertikaliti SOLAR SaaS platform for solar system management and monitoring featuring AI-based thermal processing for anomaly detection, live Dropbox synchronization and an interactive GIS panel, demonstrating 99% improvement in inspection accuracy and 97% reduction in research and analysis time versus manual methods.
• Vertikaliti TELCO SaaS platform for telecom transmission tower management providing real-time team collaboration, situational awareness, cloud synchronization and AI-based thermal processing for tower inspection.
• Vertikaliti GRID SaaS platform for power transmission line inspection with problem mapping, data organization, real-time situational awareness, automatic cloud synchronization and machine learning algorithms for pattern identification and decision-making insights.
• VOTIX Cloud-based, hardware-agnostic SaaS platform for drone fleet management that automates workflows, enables autonomous flights, integrates critical systems and supports BVLOS operations, including MANAGE (fleet management), STREAM (live HD video streaming) and FLY (remote drone control) modules. Resold in Brazil by Grupo DR1.
• Confined Space Inspection Service Drone inspection service for confined spaces (tanks, ducts, pipelines, ballast tanks) using collision-proof cage-protected drones with high-resolution cameras, gas detection sensors and LED lights to eliminate worker entry into hazardous spaces.
• Thickness Measurement Service (Voliro) Remote thickness measurement service using Voliro drones equipped with ultrasonic, magnetic or eddy current sensors for precise millimetric measurements without requiring workers in hazardous or elevated areas, including surfaces up to 260°C.
• Methane Measurement Service (SeekOps) Methane detection and quantification service using SeekOps-equipped autonomous drones, combining advanced optical gas sensors with Leak Detection and Quantification (LDAQ) technology to provide early leak identification and rapid risk mitigation for oil & gas operators.
• Aerial Inspection Service Drone-based aerial inspection service delivering detailed evaluations using high-resolution image capture and data collection to identify potential problems across industrial applications.
• Facade Cleaning Service Industrial drone facade cleaning service using drones equipped with pressurized water jet devices, removing the need for scaffolding or elevated work platforms and improving worker safety.
• Subsea Inspection Service (Mini ROV) Underwater inspection service using a Mini ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for depths and locations presenting logistical and safety challenges for divers, generating precise seabed maps for oceanographic, geological and environmental studies, including offshore platform MoonPool inspections.
• Laser Scanning (LiDAR) Service Drone-based laser scanning using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology via DJI Zenmuse L2, delivering 4cm vertical and 5cm horizontal accuracy with up to 450m range, supporting repetitive and non-repetitive scanning for detailed 3D mapping of large areas.
• Thermography Service Thermal imaging inspection service for identifying anomalies and failures in industrial infrastructure, including delamination in wind turbine blades and heat-related issues in equipment.
• 3D Mapping Service Aerial mapping service that uses drones to capture images for creating detailed maps, 3D models and geospatial analysis, covering large areas quickly and cost-effectively.
• Environmental Monitoring Service Environmental monitoring service using drones equipped with sensors, cameras and devices for detailed data collection on ecosystems, natural resources and environmental impacts, including offshore environmental monitoring partnerships.
• DR1 Academy Professional drone pilot training, certification and upskilling program (DR1 360) that develops client teams into proficient drone pilots and supports regulatory compliance.

Quantifiable outcome

• Revenue grew 60% compared to 2022
• +11 more outcomes

Named customers26 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

AI capability10 records

Feature10 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• VOTIXcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 8 June 2023Partnership signed June 8, 2023, makes Grupo DR1 the official sponsor of VOTIX platform in Brazil. DR1 can directly sell VOTIX software to its clients. VOTIX is a cloud-based, hardware-agnostic SaaS platform for drone fleet management with three modules: MANAGE (fleet management), STREAM (live HD video streaming), and FLY (remote drone control). Enables BVLOS operations and workflow automation.
• VolirocoreTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2023Partnership established in early 2023 for importing and operating the first Voliro drone unit in Latin America. Voliro drones are used for thickness measurement using ultrasonic, magnetic, or eddy current sensors capable of withstanding temperatures up to 260°C. Enables remote thickness measurement without work at height.
• NearthLabcoreTechnology or IntegrationStrategic partnership for autonomous drone inspections focused on wind turbine blades. NearthLab provides AI-powered autonomous drone technology and the BladeInsight platform for automated image processing and damage classification. DR1 provides field operations expertise in Brazil. Presented jointly at Brazil Wind Power 2025.
• SeekOpscoreTechnology or IntegrationPartnership for drone-based methane detection using SeekOps advanced optical sensors. SeekOps technology provides Leak Detection and Quantification (LDAQ) combining autonomous enterprise drones with proven sensor technology for early leak identification and rapid risk mitigation. DR1 selected by Petrobras for CPSI methane monitoring program using this technology.
• Aerodyne GroupcoreTechnology or IntegrationGrupo DR1 is part of the Aerodyne Group, a global drone services company. Developed and powered by Aerodyne, the Vertikaliti/DRONOS SaaS platforms provide AI-powered asset management and inspection data analysis. Aerodyne's global technology infrastructure underpins DR1's software offerings.
• OceanPactminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration with OceanPact for simulated barrier launch monitoring with drones. Used for environmental monitoring and emergency response exercises in offshore operations.
• EvoltzcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for LIDAR inspection of power transmission lines using drone-mounted sensors. DR1 performs data acquisition and advanced processing generating digital terrain models and surface models with minimum 15 points per square meter density. DRONOS software integration for asset management. Contract covers transmission lines across multiple states.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Nearthlab: Korea-based autonomous drone inspection company with BladeInsight AI platform for wind turbine blades. Active technology partner of DR1 and directly comparable in the wind turbine autonomous inspection niche.
• Voliro: Swiss developer of omnidirectional drones with ultrasonic, magnetic, and eddy-current thickness measurement payloads. Active technology partner of DR1 and comparable for contact-based industrial inspection of chimneys, tanks, and pressure vessels.

Direct peers

• Aerodyne Group: Global drone-as-a-service and asset-management company and parent of Grupo DR1. Operates the same Vertikaliti/DRONOS SaaS platform and DaaS inspection model across 35+ countries, making it the most direct functional and technological comparable.
• Flyability: Swiss manufacturer of collision-tolerant Elios drones purpose-built for confined-space industrial inspection. Directly comparable to DR1's Scout 137 confined-space offering and indoor/GPS-denied inspection use cases across tanks, chimneys, and ballast spaces.
• Sky-Futures: Pioneer in drone-based inspection for the oil & gas sector, now part of Veritas Petroleum Services. Comparable to DR1 for offshore rig, FPSO, and pipeline inspections using confined-space drones and visual/thermal analytics.
• Percepto: Israeli/US provider of autonomous drone-in-a-box solutions for industrial sites with AI-powered inspection and monitoring. Comparable to DR1's VOTIX/BVLOS and DRONOS-based autonomous monitoring roadmap for oil & gas and power utilities.
• Cyberhawk: UK-based leader in industrial drone inspection for oil & gas, utilities, and infrastructure. Closest direct competitor to DR1's offshore/onshore inspection value proposition, with similar enterprise sales motion and iHawk visualization software analog to DRONOS.

Others

• SeekOps: US/Australia-based provider of drone-mounted methane leak detection and quantification (LDAQ) sensors. Technology partner of DR1 and an enabling ecosystem player for DR1's methane measurement service line to Petrobras and other operators.

Broad incumbents

• PrecisionHawk: US-based drone data and analytics company serving energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. Broader incumbent with overlapping asset inspection and AI analytics capabilities analogous to DR1's DRONOS platform across multiple verticals.
• DroneDeploy: US-based drone data platform for mapping, progress tracking, and asset inspection across construction, energy, and agriculture. Comparable to DR1's DRONOS SaaS in enabling cloud-based inspection data capture, processing, and analytics.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/grupodr1
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/dr1-group

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Grupo DR1