Madagascar Flying Labs is no longer just Madagascar Flying Labs within WeRobotics’ global Flying Labs network.
AerialMetric, the drone logistics company that is the custodian of the Flying Labs franchise in Madagascar will now be graduating to a technology partner: one that other flying labs the world over can actually reach out for expertise on drone and robotics technology.
And it is a big deal because – in a technology partner community that boasts of notable companies like DJI, DroneDeploy, Esri, Pix4D, Deloitte, Wingcopter and Avy - AerialMetric will be the only African company to be on the supply side of technology solutions that the franchises need.
“We’re excited to announce a new chapter in the journey of Madagascar Flying Labs,” Werobotics said in its announcement.
“After five years of collaboration and innovation, AerialMetric, the host company of Madagascar Flying Labs, is transitioning from being a member of the Flying Labs Network to becoming a technology partner for the whole Flying Labs Network, as part of WeRobotics’ partner ecosystem.
“This marks a natural next step for a team that has demonstrated boldness, vision, and technical excellence since joining the Network in 2020.”
Having joined the Flying Labs Network on the commitment to designing, assembling, testing, and repairing drones locally in Madagascar, WeRobotics reckon Madagascar Flying Labs has achieved exactly that.
As explained by the WeRobotics; “From their early days offering drone survey and mapping services, the team eventually expanded into drone deliveries. Their work transformed access to healthcare, providing rural areas with regular access to essential medicines.
“In 2022, AerialMetric made a bold move to deepen this local investment. The team launched a state-of-the-art production facility in Antananarivo, Madagascar’s capital.
“In just nine months, the facility grew to house over 35 people in modern, high-tech premises designed for optimal safety and top-tier production standards.”
You can bet this is a proud dad moment for WeRobotics, whose mission has always been is to amplify the power of local expertise to multiply sustainable solutions for development, aid, and climate, driven by local actors and supported by appropriate robotics technologies.
“We do this through the Flying Labs Network — connecting and supporting local experts in drone, data, and AI technologies.
“WeRobotics itself doesn’t build technology; instead, we create access to it through our strong and continuously growing partner ecosystem. This includes hardware discounts, software donations, and strategic opportunities for Flying Labs. We’re proud to now welcome AerialMetric to this partner ecosystem.”
The technology non-profit further explained that a Flying Labs license holder evolving into a technology partner is great cause for celebration, as this is the kind of growth that is exactly what becomes possible when local experts are supported to lead, innovate, and thrive.
“Their transition is a powerful example of how the Flying Labs Network is designed to be flexible, responsive, and centered on the needs of local experts.
It speaks to the freedom and trust that underpin our Network, in sharp contrast to the rigidity that can often result from centralised, top-down models.
“We don’t impose fixed pathways. Instead, we focus on supporting Flying Labs to build capacity and strengthen their organizations. Then, when the time is right for a new type of collaboration, like this one with AerialMetric, we co-create what that shift looks like together.”
With this transition, the license for Madagascar Flying Labs is now open to application by other organisations, institutions or companies promoting drone, data and AI technology solutions in the country.