FLITE | JOBSITE LIGHTING UAV
OVERVIEW
Construction work is rarely stationary. Flite uses AI and onboard sensors to continuously adapt lighting to the user’s position, improving safety and visibility on night shifts.
ROLE
LENGTH
TOOLS
SKILLS
Individual - ArtCenter College of Design
5 weeks (2025)
Solidworks, Keyshot, Adobe Suite
User research, Brand translation, Model-making
PROBLEM STATEMENT
INJURY RISK IN CONSTRUCTION IS 40% HIGHER DURING NIGHT SHIFTS
BACKGROUND
After dark, visibility drops and footing becomes uncertain. Construction sites are filled with hidden hazards, from open pits and uneven terrain to sharp debris. As a result, falls, slips, and trips account for the majority of fatal accidents during night shifts.
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. A look at falls, slips, and trips in the construction industry. The Economics Daily, May 6 2024. Available at: https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2024/a-look-at-falls-slips-and-trips-in-the-construction-industry.htm
Workers are at the greatest risk when they are on the move.
DESIGN OPPORTUNITY
Lighting that can adapt to the user’s movements and position
Traditional lighting
Requires constant adjustment
Significant setup/teardown time
Cannot adapt to moving workers
Uneven lighting, harsh shadows
Adaptive lighting
Actively tracks user movement
Optimizes vision and safety
Adjusts according to user needs
Requires no conscious effort
Wearable lighting
Narrow beam restricts line of sight
requires uncomfortable head movements
Inconsistent lighting when transitioning
Can be obstructed by gear/body position
HILTI FORM LANGUAGE
Elevated rugged | Premium quality | Durable construction | Sleek surfaces
IDEATION
Rugged, user-centric concepts that optimize worker safety
TECHNICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Developing a package built around coaxial drone technology
EXPLORATION
Rapid prototyping to develop form, scale, and interactions
This is FLITE
An active-tracking UAV designed to improve visibility and safety at night
ON-THE-MOVE LIGHTING FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS CONTRACTORS TECHNICIANS MAINTENANCE CREWS SURVEYORS
Active-Positioning
FLITE actively tracks user movements and work area, along with nearby obstacles and surfaces. By understanding how the user moves and where the task is happening, FLITE predicts where light is needed and adjusts its position automatically.
No Controller Needed
FLITE doesn’t use a remote control. With simple mode selection and hand deployment, it relies on optical flow sensors to stabilize itself in the air or actively follow the user as they move.
Field-Swappable Battery
FLITE uses a rechargeable 12V battery that provides up to 50 minutes of flight time before a battery swap is needed. The coaxial rotor design reduces weight and energy use by relying on two rotors instead of four, allowing FLITE to stay operational for significantly longer periods.
Maximum Maneuverability
FLITE is built for harsh environments and navigating tight spaces. Its compact coaxial system maximizes maneuverability, while the 270-degree pivoting light reaches angles traditional lighting cannot.
OPERATION
Minimal controls lets the worker stay focused on the task.
Single Button Interaction
The primary thumb button controls power and cycles operating modes. Users can select Altitude Lock for fixed-position lighting, or Active Tracking for adaptive, on-the-move lighting.
Rapid Hand Deployment
FLITE is launched directly from the user’s hand with no setup. Upon release, it automatically defaults to Position Lock, using optical flow sensors to stabilize and hold the exact point of release until the user selects Tracking Mode.
BEYOND LIGHTING
FLITE is designed to be more than just a lighting tool. It can be manually controlled through a smartphone or tablet application, making it a valuable asset for hazard response, jobsite surveying, and general inspection tasks.
