Technology
Technology
Wood uses Delair's UX11 UAS for mining and quarry projects
Wood, a provider of project, engineering and technical services to the energy, industry and built environment sectors, has adopted Delair’s UX11 UAS for its work in site planning and asset management in mining and quarry projects in the western part of the United States. This is the first fixed-wing UAS that Wood has deployed in the Western U.S.
Initially, Wood is using the UAS to conduct high accuracy, 3D topographic surveys and materials quantification for mineral mining in Idaho and Wyoming.
Ford's 'Survival' robot delivers parts to keep production going around company's plant
Ford is actively working on autonomous vehicles, but the company has thrown its hat into the robotics arena with the introduction of its self‑driving robot, nicknamed ‘Survival.’
Developed entirely by Ford engineers, Survival earned its nickname because of its ability to adapt to its environment. It can dodge unforeseen objects, change its route if obstructed, and stop whenever necessary.
Survival is currently being tested in one of Ford’s manufacturing plants in Europe, delivering spare parts around the plant. The company notes that it is the first of its kind to be used in a Ford facility in Europe.
QinetiQ to deliver UAS to Canadian Armed Forces
QinetiQ has announced that it has been awarded a C$51m contract to deliver UAS to the Canadian Armed Forces.
The UAS, which have vertical takeoff capability, will provide the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Special Operations Forces Command with Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) services for both domestic and international operations.
Based on the UMS SKELDAR V-200 UAS, the system will be equipped with a variety of sensors including an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar and Electro-optic infrared (EO/IR) camera.
Spatial Integrated Systems announces extension of USV Swarming program
Spatial Integrated Systems Inc. (SIS), an engineering design and development company, has announced the extension of its USV Swarming program under the auspices of the Office of Naval Research (ONR).
According to SIS, USV Swarm 2019 will be the first integrated heterogeneous eight USV Swarm of autonomous Very Small (class 1) and Small (class 2) USVs. The USVs will conduct a coordinated mission.
The goal of Swarm 2019 is to showcase the utility of very small and small, inexpensive USVs that can be produced in large numbers quickly, SIS says.
More than 500 students in New York State trained in use of UAS for public safety operations
New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has announced that more than 500 students have been trained in the use of UAS for public safety operations at the State Preparedness Training Center in Oneida County, New York.
This milestone was reached in April during the New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ UAS Awareness workshop, which is one of four courses offered on UAS operations. The other courses offered are the UAS Part 107 Preparation Course, the UAS Basic Operator Course, and the UAS Advanced Operator Course.
The courses are designed to help educate public safety officials and first responders on how to integrate UAS into their public safety operations.
Schiebel's Camcopter S-100 UAS selected for search and rescue trials as part of Arctic 2030 project
Schiebel has announced that its Camcopter S-100 UAS has been selected by Norway’s Andøya Test Center for extensive search and rescue trials as part of the Arctic 2030 project.
In a typical configuration, the Camcopter S-100 operates six hours continuously, and can carry multiple payloads at the same time, which provides users with significant payload flexibility. As a result, the S-100’s missions deliver aerial views that reach “considerably farther than manned helicopters,” Schiebel notes.
Riptide Autonomous Solutions receives award for its UUV technology
Riptide Autonomous Solutions has earned Frost & Sullivan’s 2019 North American Strategy Innovation and Leadership Award for its UUV technology. This award comes just a few years after Riptide was recognized by Frost and Sullivan as the 2017 North America Product Leader in the UUV market.
As part of Frost and Sullivan’s recent UUV Market Study, Riptide was recognized for its continuing growth in the UUV market and expanded market presence. Riptide was also acknowledged for the expansion of its headquarters in Plymouth, Massachusetts, as well as the build out of its new manufacturing center.
Speakers: Unmanned systems technology is changing lives, but public acceptance is key
As AUVSI President and CEO Brian Wynne introduced Tuesday’s keynote speakers at Xponential 2019, he first pointed out that the biggest challenges facing the professionals in the audience involve convincing a generally skeptical public that the new technologies they are fostering will improve their quality of life.
Wynne called for “complete agreement that the number one thing we need to work on is pubic acceptance.”
With that, speakers with divergent backgrounds expounded on how unmanned technology is fostering a cultural revolution of sorts, which is changing nearly every aspect of human existence and will continue to do so.
Hirth Engines showcasing lightweight propulsion system technologies for UAS during Xponential
Hirth Engines has announced that during Xponential 2019, it will demonstrate its future innovation program, and showcase the latest lightweight propulsion system technologies.
With its two-stroke propulsion systems, Hirth says that it meets customers’ needs for endurance, reduced footprints, lightweight platforms, cost-effectiveness and safer operations.
To deliver technologies for the future, Hirth says that it is now looking toward hybrid applications to “harness the power” of both an internal combustion engine and electrical motors.
