Technology
Technology
Leonardo's Falco EVO Remotely-Piloted Air System being tested as part of Frontex surveillance research program
As part of the Frontex surveillance research program, Leonardo’s Falco EVO Remotely-Piloted Air System (RPAS), in a maritime patrol configuration, has been deployed from Lampedusa airport (Lampedusa Island) to test its ability to monitor the external borders of the European Union.
Frontex is looking into the surveillance capability of medium-altitude, long-endurance RPAS, while also evaluating the cost efficiency and endurance of these systems.
The European agency selected Leonardo under a “service contract tender for drone operations” for maritime surveillance across the Italian and Maltese civil airspace. While the current agreement provides for 300 flight hours, it may be extended into a longer-term agreement.
Airobotics receives unique FAA waiver for BVLOS UAS operations
Just a few weeks after announcing that it had received $30 million in funding, Airobotics has now announced that it has become the first company in the United States to receive a Certificate of Waiver (CoW) from the FAA that combines three elements: flying Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) for automated UAS operations, over human beings, with a visual observer that is not required to keep a visual line of sight on the UAS.
ThorDrive introduces commercial vehicle services featuring its autonomous vehicle tech
An autonomous vehicle (AV) startup called ThorDrive recently introduced commercial vehicle services featuring its autonomous vehicle technology.
In partnership with Hassett ACE Hardware, the initial service will support select residents of a retirement community in Palo Alto, California, as well as fire departments in the city.
ThorDrive is utilizing Velodyne Lidar sensors for the services, which will provide rich data content for ThorDrive’s AV software.
Ameren Corp., Black & Veatch and Collins Aerospace conduct BVLOS UAS flight to inspect transmission lines
On Nov. 8, electric services company Ameren Corp., along with Black & Veatch and Collins Aerospace, conducted a non-stop, 60-mile beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS flight to inspect Ameren’s transmission lines.
With thousands of miles of high-voltage lines, Ameren wanted a “better and safer” way to monitor its assets spread over rural territories beyond manual or helicopter inspections.
The companies say that the successful BVLOS flight showed the promise that UAS could have when it comes to conducting more efficient monitoring of expansive utility assets, especially in remote rural stretches.
AI robotic arm gets experience cooking fried chicken and tater tots
Robotics and artificial intelligence technology company Miso Robotics has announced that its cloud-connected Miso AI platform now enables its autonomous robotic kitchen assistants to perform fry cooking tasks.
Additionally, NSF International has issued full certification to Miso Robotics’ kitchen assistant product line for meeting sanitation standards for commercial kitchen equipment, and the line has also secured an ETL Listed Mark by Intertek for meeting UL electrical safety standards.
Since July 30, Miso Robotics has been piloting Flippy, the world’s first autonomous robotic kitchen assistant, as a frying assistant at the Chick ‘n Tots stand in Dodger Stadium, home to Major League Baseball’s Los Angeles Dodgers.
AeroVironment using its UAS to assess environmental impact of Woolsey wildfire in California
In an effort to help assess the environmental impact of the Woolsey wildfire in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area of Southern California, AeroVironment is offering its UAS services to support the National Park Service Inventory and Monitoring Program.
AeroVironment Commercial Information Solutions Unmanned Aircraft Systems flight operations and Geographic Information Science teams have launched a comprehensive UAS-based aerial imaging and environmental impact study to gauge fire damage in key areas of the park. The aerial imagery data collected will be used for a variety of purposes, including to quantify oak tree mortality and vegetation stress, and to document the dramatic changes in park visitor experience.
PAE ISR selected to participate in Robotic Aircraft Sensor Program
PAE ISR, known for its Resolute Eagle UAS, has been selected by the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (DHS S&T) to participate in the Robotic Aircraft Sensor Program – Borders (RASP-B program).
DHS S&T is looking for UAS with different sensors that can be used in a variety of border and critical infrastructure security scenarios, including but not limited to, search-and-rescue, reconnaissance, and hostage rescue situations.
Through the program, data from the UAS and sensor supplier community will be collected and used to inform DHS S&T and its stakeholders in the Homeland Security Enterprise of current capabilities.
Rolls-Royce and Finferries successfully demonstrate world's first fully autonomous ferry
Rolls-Royce and ferry operator Finferries have announced that they have successfully demonstrated the world’s first fully autonomous ferry in the archipelago south of the city of Turku, Finland.
Known as Falco, the 53.8-meter double-ended car ferry, which had 80 invited VIP guests aboard during the demonstration, navigated autonomously during its voyage between Parainen and Nauvo using a combination of Rolls-Royce Ship Intelligence technologies.
The companies note that the ferry’s return journey was conducted under remote control.
