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.
Software
Software
Cepton, Dataspeed partner to bring lidar technologies to autonomous vehicle developers
Cepton Technologies Inc. has partnered with autonomous vehicle (AV) technology provider Dataspeed Inc. to bring its high resolution, long-range and compact lidar technologies to AV developers.
The partnership will result in Dataspeed’s customers now having access to Cepton lidar technology for the development and deployment of autonomous applications.
“Dataspeed is a leading provider of by-wire systems with worldwide installations,” says Mitch Hourtienne, Cepton director of Business Development.
“Our partnership will make it easy for the global community to develop advanced perception capabilities for the next generation of autonomous vehicles.”
Sea Machines Robotics bringing autonomous capabilities to commercial vessels
Sea Machines Robotics has partnered with workboats manufacturer Hike Metal to integrate its SM300 autonomous vessel control system aboard commercial vessels used for search-and-rescue (SAR) missions.
According to Sea Machines, the collaboration will “help develop and demonstrate the capabilities of autonomous marine technology for the purposes of increasing the productivity and safety of SAR operations.”
Cellula Robotics equipping its new UUV with technology from Sonardyne
Sonardyne Inc. has announced that its integrated navigation, positioning and communications technology will support Cellula Robotics’ new, fuel cell-powered long-range UUV, which is being designed for the Canadian defense department.
Known as Solus-LR, the UUV is being designed to be able to travel up to 2,000 kilometers, and stay submerged for missions stretching months at a time with support from an onboard fuel cell power pack.
AMP Robotics launches dual-robot system for recycling industry
AMP Robotics Corp. (AMP), a developer of artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics for the recycling industry, has launched its new AMP Cortex dual-robot system (DRS), which focuses on material recovery in Municipal Solid Waste (MSW), Electronic Waste (E-waste), and Construction and Demolition (C&D).
Expanding on AMP’s existing product line of high-speed recycling robotics, the AMP Cortex DRS uses two high-performance robots that quickly sort, pick, and place materials at a speed of 160 pieces per minute, which creates optimum productivity, AMP says.
Modus adding second Saab Seaeye Sabertooth to its Hybrid AUV fleet
Saab Seaeye has announced that Modus is adding a second Saab Seaeye Sabertooth to its Hybrid AUV (HAUV) fleet.
According to Saab Seaeye, the Sabertooth AUV will be equipped with extended autonomous endurance and increased thrust for high speed survey. Additionally, the AUV will be ready for the integration of advanced and high-resolution sensors for various applications and operations, the company says.
Ford's 'Survival' robot delivers parts to keep production going around company's plant
Ford is actively working on autonomous vehicles, but the company has thrown its hat into the robotics arena with the introduction of its self‑driving robot, nicknamed ‘Survival.’
Developed entirely by Ford engineers, Survival earned its nickname because of its ability to adapt to its environment. It can dodge unforeseen objects, change its route if obstructed, and stop whenever necessary.
Survival is currently being tested in one of Ford’s manufacturing plants in Europe, delivering spare parts around the plant. The company notes that it is the first of its kind to be used in a Ford facility in Europe.
Aitech to supply key mission interface systems for MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling program
Boeing has awarded Aitech Defense Systems Inc. a contract to supply key mission interface systems for the MQ-25 unmanned aerial refueling program.
Under the contract, Aitech will provide Boeing with an advanced, customized remote I/O interface controller based on the commercial-of-the-shelf (COTS) Ai-RIO remote interface product.
“Ensuring the success of the unmanned MQ-25 Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) test aircraft requires precision electronics and close-knit cooperation among the companies involved,” explains Moshe Tal, CEO, North America of Aitech Group.
Drivent exits stealth mode, announces certification to test autonomous vehicles in Washington state
Self-driving technology company Drivent has exited stealth mode, announcing that it has been certified to test autonomous vehicles in the state of Washington.
The company has also unveiled what it calls “essential” technologies for autonomous vehicles.
“Years ago, we realized that encouraging widespread adoption of self-driving vehicles would require more than just making cars that don't crash,” explains Eric Wengreen, Drivent co-founder.
“While the autonomous industry focused on collision-avoidance technology, we focused on developing technology to overcome the non-collision barriers to adoption of autonomous vehicles.”
AeroVironment, Kratos partner to develop multi-domain unmanned platforms
AeroVironment Inc. and Kratos Defense & Security Systems Inc. are teaming up to develop and demonstrate “highly integrated and operationally effective” multi-domain unmanned platforms for near-peer, denied environments.
The companies say that their first collaborative project is designed to demonstrate the ability to launch, communicate with, and control a small, tube-launched loitering aircraft from a larger runway-independent UAS.
“Kratos and AeroVironment offer complementary capabilities while sharing an intense focus on disruptive and affordable unmanned aircraft solutions for the DoD,” says Steve Fendley, president of Kratos Unmanned Systems Division.
