Mobile Recon Systems has introduced the Dauntless UAS, which is designed to lift more than its own weight.
According to Mobile Recon Systems, the UAS is designed to set new records for what multi-rotor UAS can carry. Weighing in at 78 pounds, the Dauntless UAS has showcased an ability to lift an additional payload of 100 pounds as a tethered quadcopter.
As an octocopter, with a generator-powered flight time of several hours, the UAS is designed to lift more than 200 pounds.
Software
Software
SkyGrid to develop platform that allows customers to safely perform wide range of UAS operations
Boeing and SparkCognition recently announced plans to launch an Austin, Texas-based company called SkyGrid, which will “enable the future of urban aerial mobility,” the companies say.
With a mind towards ensuring the safe, secure integration of autonomous cargo and passenger air vehicles in the global airspace, SkyGrid will develop a software platform utilizing blockchain technology, artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled dynamic traffic routing, data analytics and cybersecurity features.
The platform will go beyond UAS traffic management (UTM), the companies say, as it will allow SkyGrid customers to safely perform a variety of UAS operations including package delivery, industrial inspections and emergency assistance.
AUTOSAR's latest version of Adaptive Platform can be used in highly autonomous systems
Real-Time Innovations (RTI) has announced that AUTomotive Open Systems ARchitecture (AUTOSAR) has released the latest version of the Adaptive Platform, Release 18-10, which features a full network binding of the Data Distribution Service (DDS) standard.
The release of the Adaptive Platform allows automotive manufacturers to now implement an AUTOSAR Adaptive framework with DDS and develop highly autonomous systems, such as Level 4 and Level 5 autonomous vehicles.
Apex.AI focused on creating 'robust, reliable, safe, and secure software' for autonomous mobility systems
With a focus on creating robust, reliable, safe, and secure software for autonomous mobility systems, a company called Apex.AI was officially announced on Nov. 15.
The company recently closed a $15.5 million Series A funding.
“Apex.AI is transitioning autonomous vehicle software from R&D to commercialization so that it meets highest safety and reliability standards, a need for both automakers and consumers,” Apex.AI says in a company blog post.
RADA receives more than $12 million in new orders; portion of orders for avionics for UAS
RADA Electronic Industries Ltd. has announced that in recent weeks, it has received more than $12 million in new orders.
More than $5 million of the new orders were for RADA’s software-defined radars for counter rocket artillery and mortar (C-RAM), counter UAS and short range air defense (SHORAD). Most of these orders were from new and strategic defense organizations, and represent initial orders that have the potential for greater follow-on orders in the future.
RADA notes that portions of these orders were follow-ons from customers that have placed initial orders earlier this year.
The rest of the orders, totaling almost $7 million, were follow-on orders for RADA’s legacy avionics, which includes avionics for UAS.
Universal Robots hires more than 20 Rethink Robotics staff members
Universal Robots (UR) has hired more than 20 Rethink Robotics staff members, merging its Boston office with Rethink’s former headquarters in Boston’s seaport area “with immediate effect.”
UR says that Rethink’s personnel brings “extensive” collaborative robotics experience in engineering, product development, and customer applications. This experience, combined with UR’s expertise, will help UR continue to develop new and innovative collaborative robotics platforms.
Kongsberg Maritime selects Leclanche to provide batteries for its autonomous vessels
Kongsberg Maritime has selected battery company Leclanché as its battery partner and supplier of customized marine energy storage platforms.
Through the partnership, Leclanché will be an asset to Kongsberg’s new generation of hybrid power platforms, which includes “cutting-edge autonomous and crewed vessel newbuilds.”
“The partnership between Kongsberg Maritime, one of the world’s leading providers of electrification solutions to the maritime industry and Leclanché has the potential to be game changing as it brings low and zero-emission solutions to the sizeable and fast growing electric and hybrid marine market,” explains Anil Srivastava, CEO of Leclanché.
University of South Florida to host USF Brain-Drone Race in early 2019
On Feb. 9, 2019, the University of South Florida (USF) will host the 2019 USF Brain-Drone Race, which will feature teams from around the world racing drones using brain-power.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is being organized by USF Assistant Professor Marvin Andujar, PhD, Department of Computer Science and Engineering in the College of Engineering.
Andujar, who led the University of Florida group that first started the competition in 2016, says that the 2019 event will be the world’s first international competition of brain-drone racers, as teams from the United Kingdom, Japan, and Brazil compete against teams from across the U.S., as well as several teams from USF.
RelmaTech's Direct Broadcast platform allows UAS to broadcast their position and unique ID
RelmaTech has introduced its Direct Broadcast platform, which the company says meets any future regulatory requirements for UAS to broadcast their position and unique ID, without relying on a communications network to carry that data.
Using WiFi-based technology, the Direct Broadcast platform creates a unique beacon on the UAS. Described as light-weight and low cost, Direct Broadcast is based on “proven, stable and robust technology with high volume availability,” RelmaTech says.
RelmaTech also points out that a prototype version of the Direct Broadcast platform has been demonstrated to key individuals within the FAA UAS Integration Office and NASA UTM Research and Development Program.
Parrot introduces new end-to-end UAS platform for farmers, agronomists and researchers
Parrot has introduced its Parrot Bluegrass Fields, which is described as an end-to-end agriculture UAS platform that provides farmers, agronomists and researchers with the insights they need to boost the quality of their crops, and maximize yields.
Part of the Parrot Business Solutions portfolio, Parrot Bluegrass Fields is a combination of the Parrot Bluegrass UAS and the all-new ParrotFields mobile mapping app and Pix4Dfields desktop and cloud-based UAS mapping software.
Featuring a robust carbon-fiber structure, the Parrot Bluegrass agriculture UAS has a flight time of up to 25 minutes, and it is built to perform efficient operations, even in confined areas, thanks to its vertical take-off and landing capability.
