Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Drone Defense Systems LLC have announced a licensing agreement to commercialize new technology that detects and commandeers unauthorized UAS, and guides them to a safe landing.   Developed by Embry-Riddle faculty member Dr. Houbing Song, the technology suggests a “safe, affordable” way to neutralize rogue UAS without having to shoot them down or force them to crash-land. The technology allows for this to be done even in civilian settings such as large outdoor entertainment arenas and airports. According to Dr. Stephanie A. Miller, executive director of technology transfer for Embry-Riddle’s Research Park, Drone Defense Systems has received exclusive rights to commercialize the technology under the licensing agreement.

NextStep Robotics Inc., the developer of a personalized robotic therapy to help treat foot drop in recovering stroke patients, has announced that it received $600,000 during its second funding round.  With this round of funding, NextStep says that it will be able to move from prototyping and development to manufacturing and sales. NextStep Robotics is based on intellectual property licensed from the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB). With more than a decade of research behind it, the robotic therapy is the “first effective treatment option for foot drop,” the company says, as it helps stroke survivors and others regain mobility using clinically proven rehabilitation training.

The Little Roady autonomous vehicle pilot project in Providence, Rhode Island went into service on Wednesday, May 15.  Launched with the intent to evaluate autonomous mobility technology, the research project, which is offering free service to riders, will help the Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) “better understand the opportunities and challenges that come with integrating this new technology into RIDOT's transportation planning,” the department says. RIDOT adds that the research will help improve transit, and provide information for communities, the workforce, and policymakers. “It's always exciting when Rhode Island has an opportunity to lead the way in cutting-edge green technology,” says Governor Gina Raimondo.

Purdue University researchers have engineered flying robots that behave like hummingbirds, and could ultimately go to places where UAS can't.  The robots are trained by machine learning algorithms based on various techniques the bird uses naturally every day, meaning that after the robot learns from a situation, it “knows” how to move around on its own like a hummingbird would, such as knowing when to perform an escape maneuver. The robot can also teach itself new tricks, thanks to the combination of artificial intelligence with flexible flapping wings. For example, the robot can’t see as of right now, but it senses by touching surfaces. Each touch alters an electrical current, which the researchers realized they could track.