saes getters' emeth raises drone safety with nitinol technology

saes getters Raises the Bar for Drone Technology with emeth

Without a doubt, drones are becoming indispensable across industries, from filmmaking to logistics, and the need for safer, more efficient designs is more pressing than ever. Emeth, the ultra-lightweight drone not only pushes the boundaries of aeronautical engineering but also introduces groundbreaking safety features. Developed by Design House, the consumer innovation division of SAES, the nitinol-based project represents a significant leap forward in drone engineering, marrying advanced materials science with practical safety solutions. Such systems will be essential in ensuring that this technology integrates seamlessly and safely into our world.

Emeth was developed by Design House, the consumer innovation division of SAES | all images curtesy of SAES Getters

A Fusion of Expertise, Technology, and Vision

SAES, a leading name in advanced engineering, tapped into its consumer innovation division, Design House, to bring Emeth to life. Designed under the direction of Head of Design Marco Filippo Batavia and Chief Innovation Officer Ginevra della Porta, the project stemmed from an exploration of the company’s dormant patents. Among these was an airbag system using Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) technology, specifically Nitinol, to replace traditional pyrotechnic activations. The result is a compact, reusable safety mechanism that elevates drone design and functionality.

Flying beyond conventional drone safety systems, Emeth integrates an SMA-based airbag system that deploys in under 40 milliseconds. The innovative technology is covered by patents held by SAES in major jurisdictions such as Europe, United States, Japan, and China. Its rapid activation minimizes impact damage during emergencies, such as collisions or water landings, while protecting people and property below. Unlike traditional single-use safety solutions, Emeth’s airbags are reusable, lighter, and more efficient. These advancements mark a significant shift toward sustainable, high-performance safety in the drone industry.

the transparent protective dome is more than an aesthetic choice

emeth’s safer, Smarter Alternative with Nitinol Airbags

Emeth’s ultra-light frame is crafted using Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing process. This technique employs aluminum-magnesium alloys to achieve the strength of carbon fiber at a fraction of the weight. Coupled with high-voltage printed flexible circuits, this lightweight design seamlessly integrates electronic components, enhancing both durability and performance.

Central to the drone’s innovation is its use of Nitinol. This Shape Memory Alloy not only powers the airbag system but also enhances the performance of the camera stabilizer, a crucial feature for capturing smooth, professional-grade footage. By replacing traditional gimbals with this ultra-compact solution, Emeth reduces bulk without sacrificing functionality.

Emeth’s revolutionary design is rooted in advanced materials and manufacturing techniques

Emeth’s transparent protective dome is more than a functional feature—it’s a deliberate design choice. Inspired by iconic transparent gadgets like the Pontiac Ghost and the Nintendo Game Boy Color Clear, the dome reveals the intricate internal workings of the drone. This nod to a high-tech aesthetic celebrates the fusion of art and science, making Emeth as visually compelling as it is innovative.

With its blend of advanced materials, revolutionary safety features, and thoughtful design, Emeth positions itself as a game-changer in the drone industry. By addressing critical safety concerns and pushing the boundaries of engineering, SAES’s Design House has not only created a drone but also redefined what these devices can achieve.

As drones become integral to daily life, innovations like Emeth pave the way for a safer and more efficient future. This is the new standard in drone technology—a union of practicality, performance, and cutting-edge design.

the drone’s framework is meticulously engineered for optimal load distribution and high torsional strength