LG Electronics has announced that it is developing an autonomous robot that will use ultraviolet (UV-C) light to disinfect high-touch, high-traffic areas.
The robot will be officially unveiled at Digital CES 2021 in January. LG Business Solutions USA plans to offer the UV robot to U.S. hospitality, education, corporate, retail, restaurant, and transportation customers in early 2021.
“We hope LG's first UV disseminating robot will give our customers, and in turn their customers, peace of mind,” says Michael Kosla, vice president, LG Business Solutions USA.
Technology
Technology
ZM Interactive introduces drone capable of lifting up to 1,000 pounds
On Monday, Dec. 14, ZM Interactive (ZMI) announced the newest additions to its line of xFold drones, the xFold Dragon and the Dragon Hybrid. The xFold Dragon is capable of lifting up to 1,000 pounds, while the Dragon Hybrid boasts a flight time of 1.5 hours on battery and more than eight hours with a hybrid system.
The strongest and most adaptable drones in the industry according to ZMI, the xFold drones are also the only industrial UAS that can switch between x4 (quad), x6 (hexa), X8 (octo) and X12 (dodeca) configurations in minutes.
Global Air Drone Academy works to bridge race and gender gap in STEAM education and careers
During National Drone Safety Awareness Week (NDSAW) in November, students from the Global Air Drone Academy (GADA), a nonprofit organization that is bridging the race and gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEAM) education and careers, got the chance to sit down and have a discussion with FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.
Weekend Roundup: December 11, 2020
This week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
In coordination with the Office of Future Mobility and Electrification, the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) has announced the latest round of PlanetM testing grants, which are expected to take mobility to “new heights” supporting both drone and connected vehicle technology programs. Great Lakes Drone Company, RAVE Cave and P3 Mobility are the recipients of the grants. (Michigan Economic Development Corporation)
ThayerMahan's autonomous systems prove capable of identifying, localizing and reporting IUU fishing
During operational testing and evaluation, ThayerMahan Inc. demonstrated that its Outpost and SeaWatch autonomous systems could identify, localize, and report illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which has replaced piracy as the leading global maritime security threat according to the US Coast Guard's Strategic Outlook on IUU Fishing released earlier this year.
AeroVironment introduces Extended Range Antenna for UAS
AeroVironment has introduced the latest addition to its growing line of network connectivity solutions, the Extended Range Antenna (ERA).
A lightweight, portable antenna array kit, the ERA is designed to integrate seamlessly with AeroVironment’s standard RF head antenna to support a diverse range of missions.
“AeroVironment continues to incorporate direct customer and user feedback into our product development investments to address increasingly complex and dynamic mission requirements,” says Rick Pedigo, AeroVironment vice president of sales and business development.
Parrot's ANAFI platform now compatible with SPH Engineering's UgCS
Parrot has announced that its ANAFI platform is now compatible with SPH Engineering’s professional mission planning software UgCS.
ANAFI users can now enhance professional drone operations and streamline land surveying and mapping processes by accessing the program’s vast range of tools.
“UgCS is one of the most advanced mission planning software for drones. Its unique features make it the perfect tool to complete complex and large-scale mapping projects,” says Jerome Bouvard, Parrot director of Strategic Partnership.
“This partnership will broaden the mapping capabilities and software options available to professional ANAFI users as a whole.”
senseFly establishes itself as a leader in BVLOS operations
As beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) UAS operations are primed to open a range of possibilities in the drone industry, fixed-wing drone solutions provider senseFly has established itself as an early leader in safely and successfully performing these operations.
Weekend Roundup: December 4, 2020
This week (and last) in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
Mississippi State University (MSU) engineers in the university’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory are leading research efforts that could make UAS operational by the U.S. government, as well as civilian aviation, in icy conditions. The U.S. Department of Defense is hoping that the icing system development and technology team being led by MSU will result in lightweight anti-icing systems, which would lead to certification for UAS to operate in forecasted icing conditions. (Mississippi State University)
FLIR Systems acquires small UAS manufacturer Altavian
FLIR Systems has acquired Altavian Inc., a Gainesville, Florida-based privately-held manufacturer of small UAS (sUAS) for defense and public safety customers.
Altavian UAS users are provided with decision support and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability, thanks to Altavian's airframes integrating multiple sensors, including FLIR thermal technology.
Founded in 2011, Altavian designs and manufacturers Group 1 UAS platforms for long or short range operations. Altavian designs both quadcopter and fixed-wing UAS, so its expertise includes aeronautics, avionics, and software. The company’s solutions are engineered around an open system architecture aligned to the needs of government and defense customers.
