Through its parent organization Parrot, senseFly has “recapitalized its balance sheet and funding,” the company has announced, which will allow it to have a healthy operational outlook as it continues its growth path in the arena of fixed-wing drones.
SenseFly says that this milestone shifts its status from a “promising start-up that pushed the boundaries of remote mapping to a leading manufacturer of professional fixed-wing drones.”
“senseFly is demonstrating a rare drone industry success story, transitioning from start-up to a mature, self-funded, successful business,” says Gilles Labossière, CEO of senseFly.
Business Solutions
Business Solutions
Newly launched marine tech and data company Armada to add 15 marine robots to Ocean Infinity's current fleet of AUVs
Ocean Infinity has announced the launch of Armada, which it describes as a “new pioneering marine technology and data company.”
With a focus on combining technology and sustainability, Armada will initially add 15 bespoke designed marine robots to Ocean Infinity’s current fleet of AUVs.
“We are very excited to be launching Armada, which perfectly complements the other service offerings in the Ocean Infinity Group,” says Dan Hook, managing director for Armada.
“The pioneering technology makes our operations world leading in terms of environmental sustainability and safety, whilst still achieving the very highest levels of data quality and value for our clients.”
Huntington Ingalls Industries acquires marine robotics developer Hydroid Inc.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has announced that it will acquire Hydroid Inc., which will expand its capabilities in the “strategically important and rapidly growing” autonomous and unmanned maritime systems market, the company says.
A provider of advanced marine robotics to the defense and maritime markets, and a U.S. based indirect subsidiary, wholly owned by Kongsberg Maritime, Hydroid will become part of HII’s Technical Solutions division.
Sonardyne acquires 2G Robotics
Sonardyne International Ltd. has acquired 2G Robotics Inc., which specializes in underwater imaging and inspection.
Joining Sonardyne’s group of companies, 2G Robotics will remain an independent business and brand, and continue to serve its customer base in unmanned and autonomous underwater vehicles, as well as remotely operated vehicles.
“2G Robotics has a dedicated research team and well developed product and service lines, with scope for growth,” says John Ramsden, Sonardyne’s managing director.
AI robotics company Covariant launches from stealth
Artificial intelligence (AI) robotics company Covariant launched from stealth on Wednesday, Jan. 29, with the announcement that its AI has been deployed and is fully operational at customer facilities in several industries.
Covariant has spent the last two and a half years since being founded researching, developing, testing and deploying its AI, which has led to the development of the Covariant Brain. Covariant describes the Covariant Brain as “universal AI for robots that can be applied to any use case or customer environment.” Covariant robots are capable of quickly learning how to manipulate objects without being told what to do thanks to their ability to learn various general abilities.
GM turning Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant into first fully-dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant
General Motors (GM) has announced that it will invest $2.2 billion in its Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to turn it into its first fully-dedicated electric vehicle assembly plant where it will produce various all-electric trucks and SUVs.
With production scheduled to begin in late 2021, GM’s first all-electric truck will be a pickup. That truck will be followed by the recently announced shared, electric, self-driving vehicle called Cruise Origin.
Wing to deliver clothing from LSKD via drone delivery service
Wing has announced that it will now begin using its UAS to deliver clothing items from LSKD, a street/sportswear fashion label in Queensland, Australia.
The service is available through Wing’s app, as customers can select what they want from the LSKD summer collection, which includes shirts, shorts, gym wear, caps and dresses, and have them delivered to them by Wing’s UAS.
“It’s an insane feeling being the first street lifestyle clothing brand to launch air delivery with Wing in Queensland,” says Jason Daniel, founder of LSKD.
PrecisionHawk announces new CEO, James Norrod
PrecisionHawk has announced that James Norrod is the company's new CEO.
With more than 25 years’ worth of experience leading companies in highly regulated industries, including public and venture-backed technology companies, Norrod specializes in several areas, including forming strategic partnerships, optimizing domestic and international operations, and developing management teams.
Some of Norrod’s previous leadership roles include serving as the CEO of Segway, the CEO of Zhone Technologies, and the CEO of Infinite Power Solutions.
Flyability opens first U.S. office in Denver
To continue its rapid expansion into U.S. markets and offer more robust support to customers and partners, Swiss drone company Flyability has opened its first U.S. office in Denver, Colorado.
Known for its Elios 2 drone for indoor inspections, Flyability says that the new office in Denver will allow it to provide “timely, more localized support to U.S. customers and partners, as well as continue to strengthen and develop strategic partnerships throughout the country and surrounding areas.”
Application period for SBIR and STTR seed funding opens
As of Jan. 14, the application period for non-dilutive seed funding from the Department of Defense opens — the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Application Period:
Jan. 14, 2020 – Feb. 12, 2020 (8 p.m.)
SBIR/STTR Application: https://sbir.defensebusiness.org/