TomTom has launched its fully autonomous test vehicle, which is designed to test and improve the location technology specialist’s autonomous driving technologies, which includes the TomTom High Definition (HD) Map, TomTom Roadagrams, and TomTom AutoStream, a map streaming service.
“Having our own autonomous vehicle is a critical advantage when it comes to developing the technology required for safe and comfortable autonomous driving,” says Willem Strijbosch, TomTom’s head of Autonomous Driving.
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Harvard researchers develop underwater gripper that can safely catch and release jellyfish for research purposes
Researchers at Harvard’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, the Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS), and Baruch College at City University of New York have developed an “ultra-soft, underwater gripper” that could catch and release jellyfish without harm.
According to the researchers, the gripper would help scientists collect and study an animal that has yielded impressive scientific discoveries such as green fluorescent protein that scientists now use to study gene expression, and life-cycle reversal that could play an integral role in combating aging.
General Dynamics Land Systems joins Persistent Systems' Wave Relay Ecosystem
Persistent Systems has announced that General Dynamics Land Systems (GD) has joined Persistent's Wave Relay Ecosystem, which is an alliance of industry-leading companies that have integrated Wave Relay MANET radios onto their products.
According to Persistent, GD will equip its unmanned, controllerless small-unit robotic follower, the Multi-Utility Tactical Transport (MUTT) vehicle, with Persistent’s Wave Relay mobile ad hoc network (MANET) technology.
The Wave Relay MANET technology is integrated via the MPU5 smart radio, and serves as the data link for command and control, payload control, and HD video streaming.
uAvionix offering free pingRX UAS ADS-B receivers to organizations helping with Hurricane Dorian recovery efforts
With Hurricane Dorian posing a significant threat to Florida and the Southeast of the U.S., uAvionix has announced that it will offer free pingRX UAS ADS-B receivers to first responders and UAS service organizations taking part in the rescue and recovery efforts associated with the massive storm.
Designated Driver's teleoperation technology being added to Texas A&M's autonomous shuttles
Texas A&M University will add Designated Driver’s teleoperation technology to its autonomous shuttles.
A developer of teleoperation technologies for autonomous vehicles, Designated Driver says that this is the first time that a teleoperation system is being deployed commercially on public roads. The company says that its system will provide remote guidance and way points to the shuttles operating in downtown Bryan, Texas.
“We are enabling Texas A&M to get the safety driver out of the driver’s seat by deploying a reliable teleoperation solution,” says Manuela Papadopol, CEO, Designated Driver.
GA-ASI receives COA to conduct BVLOS flights using Ground-based Sense and Avoid system
The FAA has granted General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.
Sea Machines demonstrates how autonomous tech can increase safety of marine oil-spill response ops
Sea Machines Robotics has announced that as part of its cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Transportation Maritime Administration (MARAD), it successfully demonstrated its autonomous systems for use onboard a Kvichak Marco skimmer boat during events held along the Portland harbor on Aug. 21.
A Vigor/Kvichak Marine Industries-built skimmer boat was utilized during the on-water demonstrations. According to Sea Machines, the boat, which is owned by Marine Spill Response Corp. (MSRC), is the world’s first autonomous spill response vessel.
UAVOS, ISR Unmanned Technologies introduce new unmanned helicopter
UAVOS and ISR Unmanned Technologies Ltd. have developed a new unmanned helicopter called ISR-350-5, which is designed for commercial and security operations.
Expected to be manufactured and assembled in the United Kingdom, the vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft has undergone extensive research, development and innovation, which has led to improvements to all its systems including the mechanics, the on-board electronics and the available payloads.
UAVOS says the UAS offers “a solution for the new medium-sized unmanned helicopter tailored specifically to the requirements of the commercial and civil operations.”
WhiteFox acquires east coast company to strengthen positioning in UAS security industry
WhiteFox has announced its acquisition of the assets and key personnel of a company headquartered on the east coast.
According to WhiteFox, the acquisition will allow it to expand its product lines, and ensure “continued technological leadership” in the UAS security industry.
“This acquisition is a significant leap forward for WhiteFox, and cements our position as the global leader in airspace security,” says Luke Fox, founder and CEO of WhiteFox.
“Our mission is to ensure drones will enhance our quality of life, by providing an ecosystem in which drones can be securely operated, detected, identified and, if necessary, mitigated.”
Liberty Dynamic, ReconRobotics collaborating to develop throwable robot with mounted flash-bang
Liberty Dynamic has announced that it will begin working with ReconRobotics Inc. to equip the company’s tactical Throwbot 2 robot with an Enhanced Diversionary Device.
Equipped with a flash-bang, the robot will save military and law enforcement users “precious seconds” before detonation, while also providing them the benefit of real-time intelligence.
“It’s all about giving operators tactical advantage,” says John Chapman, CEO of Liberty Dynamic.
The Enhanced Diversionary Device is described as a “reusable, microprocessor-controlled flash-bang.” It is designed to be safer and more economical than the standard stun grenades that police officers and military personnel currently use.
