Espen Olsen’s job is a little different from that of most police officers.
He’s the police chief inspector for the Governor of Svalbard’s office and is in charge of its new drone program. He has begun using small drones in this Norwegian archipelago, situated roughly halfway between mainland Norway and the North Pole.
Drones have been used in the Arctic for several years, including Aeryon Scouts, Insitu ScanEagles and AeroVironment Pumas, which have aided in studying sea ice, monitoring wildlife and keeping an eye on climate change. Olsen probably has the most unique uses for his collection of DJI drones, however, which includes an older Phantom 3, two Mavic Pros and a Matrice.
Commercial
Commercial
Brain Corp to use NVIDIA Jetson platform for autonomous commercial vacuum cleaner
For its latest initiative—an autonomous commercial vacuum cleaner known as “Whiz” from SoftBank Robotics—Brain Corp will use the NVIDIA Jetson platform, the company has announced.
Whiz will be powered by Brain Corp's proprietary operating system, BrainOS, which provides machines with autonomous navigation and data collection capabilities, all tied into a cloud-based reporting system.
Whiz is designed specifically for commercial spaces such as retail and office environments. It will be sold to the Japanese market starting next year.
Meet the IPP Sites: KDOT focusing on infrastructure inspections, precision ag for UAS pilot program
More than 70 percent of the world's general aviation fleet is manufactured in Kansas, so needless to say, aviation is the state’s primary industry.
With unmanned aircraft being the newest edition to the aviation industry, Kansas has a strong interest in making sure this technology is integrated safely into the airspace. The state is an ideal location for this technology to be tested during the UAS Integration Pilot Program over the next few years, especially considering Kansas is home to 140,000 miles of public roads — many in rural areas — and the Kansas Department of Transportation maintains 10,000 miles of highway and over 5,000 bridges.
ThorDrive introduces commercial vehicle services featuring its autonomous vehicle tech
An autonomous vehicle (AV) startup called ThorDrive recently introduced commercial vehicle services featuring its autonomous vehicle technology.
In partnership with Hassett ACE Hardware, the initial service will support select residents of a retirement community in Palo Alto, California, as well as fire departments in the city.
ThorDrive is utilizing Velodyne Lidar sensors for the services, which will provide rich data content for ThorDrive’s AV software.
Brain Corp to provide 'brain' for Walmart's floor scrubbing robots
A San Diego-based software technology company called Brain Corp has announced that it will provide Walmart with artificial intelligence (AI) services, thanks to a new partnership with the world’s largest retailer.
Right now, Brain Corp’s Brain Operating System (BrainOS) platform automates more than a hundred of Walmart's fleet of commercial floor scrubbers across the U.S.
With BrainOS, the machines have autonomous navigation and data collection capabilities, which are all tied into a cloud-based reporting system.
By the end of its fiscal year, Jan. 31, 2019, Walmart expects to have 360 robots powered by BrainOS in its stores.
Volvo Trucks to provide mine in Norway with autonomous transportation option
Volvo Trucks has signed an agreement with Norwegian quarry Brønnøy Kalk AS to provide its first commercial autonomous option, which will be used to transport limestone from an open pit mine to a nearby port.
Through the agreement, six autonomous Volvo FH trucks will transport limestone on a five kilometer stretch through tunnels between the mine itself and the crusher.
This strategy has been successfully tested and will continue to be tested throughout the rest of the year. The goal is for the solution to be fully operational by the end of 2019.
Robotic Skies to support Alpha Unmanned Systems' commercial UAS
Alpha Unmanned Systems has selected Robotic Skies Inc. to develop and implement a global support plan for its current and future commercial UAS, which currently features the company’s flagship product, the Alpha 800 unmanned helicopter.
The Alpha 800 has a flight endurance of more than three hours, a payload capacity of three kilograms and a range of up to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles).
Through its network of worldwide service centers, Robotic Skies will provide a warranty program and field support management for Alpha Unmanned customers.
From Unmanned Systems Magazine: Military looks to startup world to speed technological innovation
Recognizing the need to revitalize its procurement process, the Pentagon established a fast-track organization two years ago that would accelerate delivery of critical new technologies and systems to its warfighters.
Under the office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the new Defense Innovation Unit, known as DIU, would serve as a direct pipeline to connect military customers with non-traditional businesses.
