Technology

Technology

Artificial Intelligence: Dispelling the Terminator Myth and Debunking the Future

Over the last year, AI debates have come in various shapes and sizes; as technologists, entrepreneurs, researchers, and almost everyone else, put forth their AI opinions. Questions about the capabilities and potential of AI were posed by people of diverse backgrounds prompting critical discussions and spurring more questions. During this webinar, AI and deep learning experts will introduce attendees to their world, explain their visions for the future, and answer the question of what it means when science-fiction is within our reach. Who Should Attend? Roboticists Futurists Individuals interested in the impact of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence    Speakers

Weekend Roundup

This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World Schiebel and Overwatch Imaging have successfully integrated a “revolutionary small target detection payload” called PT8 Oceanwatch on Schiebel’s Camcopter S-100 UAS. According to the companies, the PT-8 Oceanwatch payload makes the Camcopter S-100 UAS “an even more powerful naval patrol solution,” as it delivers an image-based wide area maritime search capability that greatly extends coverage area. (Schiebel)

Ohio Governor John Kasich signs executive order authorizing autonomous vehicle testing in Ohio

On May 9, Ohio Governor John R. Kasich signed an executive order to authorize autonomous vehicle testing in Ohio. The executive order also seeks to “lay out a roadmap” for how the automotive industry can go about testing technologies in the state. “Ohio is well positioned to lead in developing the cars of the future, and just as Wright Brothers did at Huffman Prairie, our great state stands ready to once again launch a new era in transportation,” Kasich said.
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Drive.ai launching self-driving pilot program in Frisco, Texas in July

Drive.ai has announced that it is launching a pilot program to bring an on-demand self-driving car service to Frisco, Texas starting in July 2018. Drive.ai describes this program as a “milestone for the State of Texas,” as it will be the first time that members of the public will have access to an on-demand self-driving car service on public roads. “Self-driving cars are here, and can improve the way we live right now,” says Sameep Tandon, co-founder and CEO of Drive.ai. “Our technology is safe, smart, and adaptive, and we are ready to work with governments and businesses to solve their transportation needs.”

Kansas State Polytechnic offering UAS training to Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism employees

Thanks to a partnership with Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus, 30 Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism employees will receive UAS training from May through June. The employees will attend small UAS (sUAS) Commercial Remote Pilot Training and then be eligible to sit for the FAA exam to become certified as remote pilots in command. 18 Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism staff members will complete Basic Multirotor Training, allowing them to become proficient in basic aircraft maneuvers and safety procedures.

Toyota Research Institute's automated vehicle test facility expected to open in October

The Toyota Research Institute (TRI) has announced that it is constructing a closed-course test facility—expected to be operational in October of this year—to develop automated vehicle technology. An approximately 60-acre site at Michigan Technical Resource Park (MITRP) in Ottawa Lake will be transformed into a test facility that will be used exclusively by TRI to safely replicate demanding “edge case” driving scenarios that are too dangerous to perform on public roads.

Intelligent Energy's fuel cell technology could greatly enhance flight times of UAS

During Xponential, United-Kingdom-based Intelligent Energy made its debut by showcasing its fuel cell technology, which includes its lightweight 650W Fuel Cell Power Module specifically designed for the commercial UAS market. The company says that its lightweight 650W Fuel Cell Power Module “offers considerably longer flight time when compared to traditional batteries.” Besides longer flight time, the module also offers additional benefits such as increased productivity, less downtime as a result of quick refueling, and increased payload capability.

Unmanned systems bring benefits, but risks must be observed, keynotes say

Attendees of Wednesday’s keynote addresses on “The Unmanned Lifestyle” heard calls to balance enthusiasm for all that unmanned systems can bring to humanitarian causes and public safety with caution regarding the risks of turning over too much decision-making control to intelligent machines — and those who might hack them. Opening speaker Zeynep Tufekci, a techno-sociologist based at the University of North Carolina, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the potential for discord and destabilization during times of great transition. On balance, she said, outcomes can be overwhelmingly positive, but the progress is often painful.

XPO speakers see bright future, with focus on safety and jobs

As divergent as the three keynote speakers who addressed a full house at Xponential 2018 were Tuesday, they shared a common message of optimism for the future of unmanned systems.    From a business point of view, PrecisionHawk Inc., chief executive officer Michael Chasen described how his company’s work in preparation of the newly released Pathfinder Report provides a practical path toward ensuring that manned and unmanned aircraft could share the skies safely.   “There’s been tremendous growth in this industry,” Chasen said, involving everything from large corporations to garage tinkerers.   

Weekend Roundup

This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World Virginia Tech has opened what it claims is the tallest drone park in the United States. The netted, football-field-sized park stands 85 feet above ground, and offers three million cubic feet of “unobstructed flight space” for student research, education, and recreation, the university says. (The Roanoke Times)

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