According to the Verge, researchers from the University of Zurich have developed a UAS capable of autonomously dodging objects thrown at it, even at close range.
“We wanted to really push the boundaries and see what these robots are capable of,” University of Zurich research Davide Falanga tells the Verge.
Air
Air
Purdue University researchers develop flying robots that emulate hummingbirds
Purdue University researchers have engineered flying robots that behave like hummingbirds, and could ultimately go to places where UAS can't.
The robots are trained by machine learning algorithms based on various techniques the bird uses naturally every day, meaning that after the robot learns from a situation, it “knows” how to move around on its own like a hummingbird would, such as knowing when to perform an escape maneuver.
The robot can also teach itself new tricks, thanks to the combination of artificial intelligence with flexible flapping wings. For example, the robot can’t see as of right now, but it senses by touching surfaces. Each touch alters an electrical current, which the researchers realized they could track.
North Carolina's Spring Lake Fire Department uses UAS to rescue stranded kayakers
The Spring Lake Fire Department in Spring Lake, North Carolina recently used its UAS to rescue stranded kayakers from the Little River.
Over multiple days, the department rescued seven people in two separate incidents. One rescue utilized a boat and took the department all morning to pull a family of five from the river. The other water rescue, though, utilized the department’s new UAS, and took just minutes.
“These drones can fly a lot faster than walking though woods and going down to the river in a boat so just making eye contact and putting a visual image on somebody is key to this,” says Drone Pilot Brandon Fitzhugh, via ABC 11.
Alta Devices announces new solar product for HALE market
Alta Devices has unveiled a new solar product that is designed to meet the specific needs of UAS that can serve as platforms for cellular and IoT connectivity.
According to Alta, the product, known as AnyLight Solar, combines “breakthrough” solar cell technology with several new inventions to provide features to maximize power, minimize weight, and provide sufficient protection from the harsh environment commonly found in the Earth’s stratosphere.
“Alta Devices recognizes that our aerospace customers need to innovate every aspect of these new and complex aircraft systems,” says Alta Devices CEO, Jian Ding.
FLIR Thermal Studio streamlines workflow and increases productivity for UAS users
FLIR Systems has introduced its new thermal image analysis and reporting software called FLIR Thermal Studio, which is designed to manage large sets of thermal images and videos.
According to FLIR, the software is engineered for thermographers who use FLIR thermal handheld cameras, optical gas imaging (OGI) cameras, and UAS with thermal cameras.
FLIR Thermal Studio is equipped with advanced processing capabilities and automation, which are designed to streamline and increase productivity.
SkyX Systems' drones selected for long-range search missions in Canada
Canada’s Advanced Tactical Training Search & Rescue Division (ATTSAR) is using drones from SkyX Systems for long-range search missions.
UAS have proven to be extremely beneficial for search and rescue missions, as a recent announcement cited by ATTSAR and SkyX Systems says that UAS-operated missions have led to 133 people being rescued across the world from 2017 through the first half of 2018.
Quadcopter UAS are typically used for these missions, but according to ATTSAR and SkyX Systems, these UAS have limitations such as endurance, the range that they can operate without a controller, and the weather conditions that they can operate in.
