Drone Delivery Canada (DDC) recently completed its beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) trials in Alma, Quebec.
Conducted from August 13 to 17, the test flights, which took place under both day and night conditions, were the first phase of DDC’s Remote Communities Project.
The goal of the test flights was to stress test DDC’s proprietary FLYTE management system, the Sparrow cargo delivery drone, and DDC’s crews and procedures.
“We are developing a very valuable piece of technology that will enable a drone to safely integrate into Canadian skies for parcel delivery,” says Tony Di Benedetto, CEO.
UAS
UAS
AeroVironment's MacCready Works lab donates Quantix UAS to West Point Military Academy
AeroVironment Inc.’s MacCready Works lab has donated automated Quantix hybrid UAS, spare parts and AeroVironment’s Decision Support System (AV DSS) analytics software to the United States Military Academy, also known as West Point.
The UAS and accompanying parts and software will support West Point’s Center for Innovation and Engineering and Geography and Environmental Engineering Department.
WiBotic announces new wireless power system for DJI Matrice 200 and 210 drones
WiBotic, which provides wireless charging and power optimization platforms for the robotics industry, has announced a new wireless power system for the DJI Matrice 200 (M200) and DJI Matrice 210 (M210) drones.
The WiBotic wireless power system enables fully autonomous charging of UAS, allowing UAS to be on constant standby, or fly repeatedly without the need for human or mechanical battery swapping.
The WiBotic wireless power system for the DJI M200 and M210 includes both ground-based transmitter components and onboard charging components. For companies that want a “completely turnkey solution,” the system is also compatible with the (additional) WiBotic PowerPad.
NUAIR Alliance partners with Unifly to provide enhanced UTM capabilities
The Northeast UAS Airspace Integration Research Alliance (NUAIR Alliance) and Griffiss International Airport have partnered with Unifly to provide enhanced unmanned traffic management (UTM) capabilities for the New York UAS Test Site's 50-mile UTM Corridor currently being constructed.
Once it establishes a presence in Central New York, Unifly will deploy its software platform and support traffic management testing.
Working with NUAIR, Unifly will enable enhancements to test beyond visual line of site (BVLOS) systems. The ultimate goal is to safely integrate UAS into the nation’s airspace.
County of Cape May, New Jersey awarded $3 million grant to build UAS facility
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding the County of Cape May, New Jersey a $3 million grant to help build a 20,000 square foot multi-tenant building.
The facility, which will be located within the Cape May County Airport, will help fulfill the needs of companies in the UAS industry.
“Building the new ‘tech village’ right at Cape May County Airport will not only immediately create good-paying jobs, the final training facility will empower entrepreneurs and businesses in the fast-growing field of unmanned aerial vehicles,” says New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez.
Phase One Industrial launches new camera series that can be used on UAS
Phase One Industrial, which provides aerial imaging technologies, has launched its iXM-RS metric camera series and new Aerial Systems, which can be used on UAS.
Full frame, 150 megapixels and available in RGB and Achromatic models, the iXM-RS150F camera is capable of increased productivity in a wide range of aerial image acquisition projects, thanks to its “ultra-high resolution (14204 x10652) backside illuminated CMOS sensor, fast capture speed (2 fps) and enhanced light sensitivity.”
Phase One Industrial says that the iXM-RS camera is the “imaging heart” of its Aerial System, which is a fully integrated platform for mapping and surveying.
Farmers don't have to spend a fortune to benefit from UAS
UAS have a variety of potential uses in the agricultural sector, including to scout fields and spot insect infestations, weed problems and nutrient issues.
The technology can be the difference between taking hours to walk a field or seconds to scan it from above, experts say.
“I think that’s what we’re looking at — potential,” says Dr. Jarrod Miller of the University of Delaware Extension, via Lancaster Farming. During the 4R Technology Day held in Queenstown, Maryland on August 15, Miller conducted UAS demonstrations.
National University of Singapore team develops and tests Asia's first fully solar-powered quadcopter UAS
During test flights, Asia’s first fully solar-powered quadcopter UAS has flown higher than 30 feet in the air.
Developed as a student project under the Innovation & Design Programme (iDP) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) Faculty of Engineering, the UAS uses solar power with no battery or other energy storage on board.
The solar-powered UAS is constructed using lightweight carbon fiber material, weighs just under six pounds, and can take-off and land vertically without a runway. It is fitted with 148 individually characterized silicon solar cells and supported by a frame equipped with four rotors.
Direct Relief and partners test delivering emergency medical supplies with UAS in Puerto Rico
Last week, Direct Relief, Merck, AT&T, Softbox and Volans-I tested using UAS to deliver emergency medical supplies in Puerto Rico.
Leveraging each of their respective strengths and capabilities, the organizations tested UAS flights and the coordinated processes needed to provide medical supplies via UAS in a temperature-controlled environment with real-time monitoring.
“Post-Hurricane Maria, Puerto Rico has become a hotbed of innovation in disaster relief and healthcare resiliency,” explains Andrew Schroeder, director of research and analysis at Direct Relief.
Weekend Roundup
This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
UAS footage captured by two videographers shows the aftermath of a deadly earthquake that hit the island of Lombok, Indonesia. The footage was shared on Instagram by a charity called Project Karma, which is working to supply earthquake relief, and is raising money to help those who lost their homes and possessions. (Metro)
