Exploring the Future of SLAM with Emesent Hovermap

Last week, we had the privilege of welcoming Stefan Hrabar, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Emesent, into our offices for a hands-on demonstration of their Hovermap technology. The session gave our team an in-depth look at how Hovermap’s advanced lidar systems can pair seamlessly with our robotics platforms like the Unitree G1 EDU, the GO2 Quadruped, or even more robust industrial robotics platforms like the Unitree B2.

From the very first scan, Hovermap impressed us with its ability to generate detailed point cloud maps and 3D renderings of an environment. For industries where accuracy, safety, and situational awareness are critical, this kind of technology opens the door to possibilities we’re eager to share with our customers.

Unlocking Advanced SLAM

Hovermap isn’t tied to one form factor. It can be deployed handheld, mounted to a drone, or integrated directly onto our robots. This flexibility means our customers can capture data in the most efficient way possible for their environment—whether in the air, on the ground, or by hand.

Real-World Applications

Here are just a few ways we see Hovermap enhancing operations when paired with our robotic systems:

1. Jobsite Progress Tracking
   Autonomous robots equipped with Hovermap can navigate construction sites, capturing detailed 3D maps that reflect daily or weekly progress. This allows teams to compare “as-built” vs. “as-designed” models in real time.

2. Factory and Facility Management
   Inside large manufacturing plants, Hovermap can provide precise scans of equipment layouts and facility infrastructure. When combined with our quadrupeds or humanoids, operators gain ongoing, up-to-date digital twins of their operations.

3. Search and Rescue / Hazardous Environments
   In environments unsafe for humans, such as mines, tunnels, or disaster sites, Hovermap-equipped robots can autonomously map and explore—delivering life-saving situational awareness without risking personnel.

Looking Ahead

What we took away from this demonstration is clear: mapping and autonomy are converging. Emesent’s Hovermap brings a level of precision and adaptability that, when combined with Unitree robotics platforms, creates an unmatched toolset for customers across industries. Whether improving efficiency, ensuring safety, or unlocking new insights, this partnership represents the next step in how environments will be understood, documented, and navigated.