A San Diego-based software technology company called Brain Corp has announced that it will provide Walmart with artificial intelligence (AI) services, thanks to a new partnership with the world’s largest retailer.
Right now, Brain Corp’s Brain Operating System (BrainOS) platform automates more than a hundred of Walmart's fleet of commercial floor scrubbers across the U.S.
With BrainOS, the machines have autonomous navigation and data collection capabilities, which are all tied into a cloud-based reporting system.
By the end of its fiscal year, Jan. 31, 2019, Walmart expects to have 360 robots powered by BrainOS in its stores.
Business Solutions
Business Solutions
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum proposes $30 million to support BVLOS UAS operations across state
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum recently announced a $30 million proposal to build out infrastructure that would support beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for UAS across the state.
The investment would establish a statewide BVLOS network to enable UAS operations such as automated farming and precision agriculture for state agencies, local communities and the commercial sector.
The investment would also supply the infrastructure needed for the command and control of UAS and the required surveillance equipment to safely integrate manned and unmanned aircraft in the National Airspace System.
AgEagle Aerial Systems signs specialty crop producer to its new sustainability platform and UAS leasing program
UAS imagery and data analytics provider AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. has signed a specialty crop producer, packager, and supplier in North America to its new sustainability platform and UAS leasing program for next year’s crop season.
Under the agreement, AgEagle will provide the customer with access to UAS equipped with sensors for the growing season, along with access to data connected services for farms covering thousands of acres across the United States.
In-depth data analytics at the field level will also be provided, thanks to AgEagle also establishing a network of soil moisture monitoring devices with rain gauges and solar sensors.
Florida Poly and JTA partner to enhance development of autonomous vehicle tech in public transportation
Florida Polytechnic University (Florida Poly) and the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) have announced that they will work together to enhance the development of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology in public transportation.
The entities have agreed to work together to boost the research and application of AV technology.
Florida Polytechnic is home to the Advanced Mobility Institute (AMI), which is a university-affiliated research center that focuses on advancing and testing AV technology. According to Florida Poly, AMI is one of the largest university centers in the country that specializes specifically on the testing and verification of AV technology.
SkyGrid to develop platform that allows customers to safely perform wide range of UAS operations
Boeing and SparkCognition recently announced plans to launch an Austin, Texas-based company called SkyGrid, which will “enable the future of urban aerial mobility,” the companies say.
With a mind towards ensuring the safe, secure integration of autonomous cargo and passenger air vehicles in the global airspace, SkyGrid will develop a software platform utilizing blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled dynamic traffic routing, data analytics and cybersecurity features.
The platform will go beyond UAS traffic management (UTM), the companies say, as it will allow SkyGrid customers to safely perform a variety of UAS operations including package delivery, industrial inspections and emergency assistance.
InstantEye Robotics to provide small UAS to PMA-263
InstantEye Robotics will provide 32 InstantEye Mk-3 GEN5-D1 small UAS (64 aircraft) to the Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) Program Office, after securing a contract with the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) in support of PMA-263.
According to InstantEye Robotics, the new InstantEye Mk-3 GEN5-D1 platform not only expands mission scope, but it also provides additional Reconnaissance, Surveillance, and Target Acquisition capability to the individual Marine or Sailor.
Apex.AI focused on creating 'robust, reliable, safe, and secure software' for autonomous mobility systems
With a focus on creating robust, reliable, safe, and secure software for autonomous mobility systems, a company called Apex.AI was officially announced on Nov. 15.
The company recently closed a $15.5 million Series A funding.
“Apex.AI is transitioning autonomous vehicle software from R&D to commercialization so that it meets highest safety and reliability standards, a need for both automakers and consumers,” Apex.AI says in a company blog post.
Robotic Skies to support Alpha Unmanned Systems' commercial UAS
Alpha Unmanned Systems has selected Robotic Skies Inc. to develop and implement a global support plan for its current and future commercial UAS, which currently features the company’s flagship product, the Alpha 800 unmanned helicopter.
The Alpha 800 has a flight endurance of more than three hours, a payload capacity of three kilograms and a range of up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
Through its network of worldwide service centers, Robotic Skies will provide a warranty program and field support management for Alpha Unmanned customers.
Ford and Walmart partner to deliver goods using self-driving vehicles
On Nov. 14, Ford announced that it is teaming up with Walmart to explore how self-driving vehicles can deliver everyday goods to people.
The companies are using the infrastructure of Postmates—whom they both had an existing partnership with before—to quickly establish and launch a pilot program that explores how Ford’s self-driving vehicles can complement Walmart’s existing delivery offerings.
“Like Ford, Walmart believes that self-driving vehicles have an important role to play in the future of delivery, and that true success comes from first learning how individuals want to use them in their daily lives,” Ford says in a company blog post.
RADA receives more than $12 million in new orders; portion of orders for avionics for UAS
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. has announced that in recent weeks, it has received more than $12 million in new orders.
More than $5 million of the new orders were for RADA’s software-defined radars for counter rocket artillery and mortar (C-RAM), counter UAS and short range air defense (SHORAD). Most of these orders were from new and strategic defense organizations, and represent initial orders that have the potential for greater follow-on orders in the future.
RADA notes that portions of these orders were follow-ons from customers that have placed initial orders earlier this year.
The rest of the orders, totaling almost $7 million, were follow-on orders for RADA’s legacy avionics, which includes avionics for UAS.