The FAA has granted HAPSMobile Inc. a Certificate of Authorization (COA2) to fly the HAWK30 solar-powered UAS to provide a stratospheric telecommunications platform system in the Hawaiian island of Lanai’s stratosphere.
HAPSMobile has been working with the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) and the University of Hawaii to conduct stratospheric test flights using HAWK30, as part of collaborative activities with the Pan-Pacific UAS Test Range Complex (PPUTRC).
The entities received the authorization after UAF, which manages the PPUTRC, applied for the COA2 on behalf of the three parties.
Technology
Technology
Local Motors' Olli autonomous shuttle now operating in Rancho Cordova, California
Local Motors has announced that its Olli autonomous shuttle recently began operating in the city of Rancho Cordova, California at the White Rock Corporate Campus, which is a large business park that is home to 1,600 employees.
Over the next three months, Olli will be available to campus employees and the general public under a pilot project being funded primarily by the Sacramento Area Council of Governments (SACOG). The city of Rancho Cordova is providing additional funding assistance.
ecoSUB robot to perform Arctic research mission considered too dangerous for humans
In an effort to help scientists understand the true extent of melting from Arctic glaciers, an ecoSUB underwater robotic vehicle will perform an Arctic research mission that is considered too dangerous for humans.
The ecoSUB will be deployed to the foot of a melting glacier in Arctic Norway. The goal of the mission is to learn more about the effect of meltwater on a process called ‘calving’, which causes huge chunks of ice to break off the glacier edge.
Carolina Unmanned Vehicles successfully demonstrates Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System
Carolina Unmanned Vehicles (CUV) has announced that during the 21st Century Maneuver, Logistics, and Force Protection Advanced Naval Technology Exercise (ANTX) at USMC Base, Camp Lejeune North Carolina, it successfully demonstrated the Small Tactical Multi-Payload Aerostat System (STMPAS).
Described as a “mobile cost effective aerostat system,” STMPAS provides persistent 24/7 EO/IR Surveillance, Networked Communications Relays and Signal Intelligence collection.
Loadsmart, Starsky Robotics automatically dispatch autonomous truck to haul freight
Digital freight broker Loadsmart and autonomous truck startup Starsky Robotics have announced that they were able to automatically dispatch an autonomous truck to haul freight.
Loadsmart successfully priced, tendered and booked the dispatchment, while Starsky's self-driving technology was used to pick up and deliver the shipment.
There was no need for human intervention during this process, thanks to the integration of Loadsmart's artificial intelligence (AI)-powered pricing and load matching technology with Starsky's API.
Kodiak Robotics making first commercial deliveries using self-driving trucks
Just 16 months after forming, self-driving truck startup Kodiak Robotics Inc. has announced that it has started making its first commercial deliveries with a safety driver behind the wheel.
AtlasPRO UAS used as part of security efforts for Copa America soccer tournament
Autonomous UAS designer and manufacturer Atlas recently partnered with the Military Police of Rio de Janeiro State (PMERJ) to utilize its AtlasPRO UAS as part of the PMERJ’s overall security efforts for the Copa America soccer tournament.
According to Atlas, this was the first time that MESH multi-drone UAS technology has been approved to use to secure a major sporting event. The AtlasPRO flew along the perimeter of the Maracanã Stadium during the tournament’s final series.
The UAS was used in both single and multi-UAS missions to collect data on public safety hazards and facilitate emergency response.
Amazon Scout delivery robots to begin making deliveries in Southern California
Amazon has announced that its Scout delivery robots began delivering packages to customers in Southern California on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
To start, a small number of Scout robots will make deliveries Monday through Friday during daylight hours.
Amazon says that customers in the Irvine, California area can order things the way they normally do, and their Amazon packages will be delivered either by one of Amazon's carrier partners or by an Amazon Scout. The same delivery options are available via Scout including fast, FREE Same-Day, One-Day and Two-Day shipping for Prime members.
Initially, the robots will be accompanied by an Amazon Scout Ambassador, as they autonomously follow their delivery route.
Saildrone becomes first unmanned system to circumnavigate Antarctica
A wind-powered USV called the saildrone has become the first unmanned system to circumnavigate Antarctica.
Known as SD 1020, the vehicle, equipped with a suite of climate-grade sensors, collected data in previously unchartered waters, which will offer insights into ocean and climate processes.
SD 1020 launched on Jan. 19 of this year from Southport in Bluff, New Zealand, and returned to the same port on Aug. 3. Over the course of 196 days, the USV sailed more than 13,000 miles around Antarctica, surviving freezing temperatures, 50-foot waves, 80 mile per hour winds, and collisions with giant icebergs along the way.
