Iris Automation has launched Casia, which the company describes as the “first commercially available computer vision detect-and-avoid solution to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations for autonomous vehicles.”

According to Iris, Casia allows a UAS to truly understand the aviation environment around it as if a pilot were on board, as it detects other aircraft, classifies them using machine learning, and makes intelligent decisions about the threat they may pose to the vehicle, and triggers automated maneuvers to avoid collisions.

A combination of hardware and software that's ultra lightweight, low power and small in size, Casia is made up of sophisticated artificial intelligence algorithms and software, which is packaged in a self-contained supercomputer that works with a machine vision camera.

“Casia is the critical piece our industry has been dreaming about for years – finally allowing us to use drones to their full commercial potential,” explains Iris Automation CEO Alexander Harmsen.

“By unlocking BVLOS flight with Casia, operators all over the world will be able to use their aircraft in every conceivable scenario.”

Iris notes that the Casia technology has been thoroughly tested with more than 7,000 real-world test flights and mid-air collision scenarios, during which various manned aircraft were flown against UAS. Casia has also been tested in more than 40,000 encounters in simulation.

Recently, Casia also ran a successful early adopter program that included more than 30 participating beta customers from five countries.

Iris says that with the launch of Casia, it will also offer customers regulatory support for Part 107 waiver writing and regulatory approval processes to secure the necessary permissions for their unique UAS operations.

Iris Automation will be at Booth 517 during Xponential 2019.