Evolonic
Evolonic is an interdisciplinary research team at Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg developing advanced long-range eVTOL drones and sensor systems for early forest fire detection and operational support.
About
Evolonic is an interdisciplinary research group based at the Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg, focused on designing and building innovative long-range electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) drones and sensor networks. Their main mission is to enable early detection of forest fires using autonomous aircraft and advanced sensors — including RGB and thermal cameras as well as environmental monitors — supported by artificial intelligence for real-time identification and prediction of wildfire events. Their software equips ground crews with accurate, real-time fire situation updates, enhancing firefighting strategies and safety. Evolonic also designs and develops supporting infrastructure such as fully automated mobile drone hangars and stationary sensor networks (FIRESenseBox). The team has a strong competition track record and collaborates closely with industrial and academic partners. In addition to drones for wildfire monitoring, Evolonic develops power electronics and flight control systems in-house, emphasizing lightweight design and autonomous operation.
Products & Services
- NF4 eVTOL long-range drone
- Integrated RGB and thermal camera systems
- Environmental sensor suites (temperature, humidity, wind speed/direction)
- FIRESenseBox stationary sensor and camera network for large-area observation
- Automated drone hangar/trailer system for rapid deployment and environmental protection
- Real-time firefighting support software with AI-based image recognition and predictive analytics
- Custom power electronics (batteries, ESCs)
- Flight control system engineering and electronics development
- Autonomous drone flight and precision landing algorithms
Use Cases & Case Studies
- Early wildfire detection and monitoring for environmental protection
- Operational support for firefighting units via real-time situational data
- Reduced resource and personnel requirement for wildfire management through autonomous systems
Partnerships & Collaborations
- Fraunhofer IISB
- Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU)
- Erlangen Fire Department
- City of Bamberg (Disaster and Fire Protection Department)
- Various industrial sponsors (Würth, Texas Instruments, Aetzwerk, Tattu, Premium Modellbau, Moldan, etc.)
Awards & Recognition
- Winner at NFC 2020 with Night Fury V2 against international competition
- Winner at NFC 2022 with Night Fury V3, defending champion against international competition
- First prize at FAU Start-up Demo Day, representing FAU at the European Start-up Event in Pisa