Drone News of the Week May 5: DRONELIFE Headlines, All in One Place to Read or Listen

AUVSI Hill Day 2023Read or listen to all of the headlines in one place: excerpts from the DRONELIFE drone news of the week ending May 5, 2023.  Click on the titles below for the full story.

AUVSI Hill Day 2023: An Inside View of the Policies, Priorities, and Problems Under Discussion (DRONELIFE Exclusive)

AUVSI recently hosted their annual Hill Day, an opportunity for drone industry stakeholders to gather and meet policy makers, face to face.  In this DRONELIFE Exclusive, one attendee’s summary and takeaways.

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DroneLife · Drone – News – Of – The – Week – May – 5Our technology is pretty good; our will to do good is even greater, but without the support of regulators and lawmakers, it cannot live up to its full potential.  It is for that reason that I put on a suit – something I typically reserve for funerals and weddings – and joined an incredible team of like-minded drone pioneers to spend the day in the halls of congress, talking with lawmakers about what’s working, and what needs attention in our industry.

Apellix on the Drone Radio Show Podcast: Robotics Platforms for Painting, Coating, Cleaning and More

Robert Dahlstrom, CEO and Founder of Apellix, talks about how company’s revolutionary drones are making it safer and more efficient to complete hazardous jobs, including painting and coating, pressure cleaning, and non-destructive testing.

Demonstrating the Commercial and Scientific Potential of Drone Show Technology, on “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch”

Drone show provider Sky Elements Drone Shows has completed a unique scientific experiment with the use of SPH Engineering’s Drone Light Show Technologies. The drone light show is part of an episode of “The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch”, a TV series exploring the mysteries of a location with an extensive history of unexplained phenomena, such as UFO sightings, crop circles, and unexplained animal mutilations. The show’s team of scientists and experts utilize leading technology, such as drones, to study and investigate these occurrences.

DroneShield at the IRONMAN: Protecting Athletic Events from Rogue Drones

Counter UAS company DroneShield has announced that after commissioning a follow-on order, the Montgomery County Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (MCOHSEM) has deployed DroneShield’s DroneSentry System for the IRONMAN Triathlon Championships 2023 for the second year in a row. The high-profile event was held earlier this month in Woodlands, Texas, drawing athletes and spectators from across the globe. Increased drone activity in recent years necessitated the use of counter drone measures in order to ensure the safety and security of the event

A Big Win for Drone Delivery in Florida: New Legislation Will Smooth the Way for Drone Ports

Last Thursday, April 27, lawmakers in the Florida House voted unanimously to pass SB 1068, designed to ease the way for drone delivery in Florida. SB1068 is an addendum to Florida’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, and is designed to preempt local regulations regarding the development of drone delivery ports, infrastructure critical to operating drone delivery services at scale.  Drone delivery ports such as those proposed by Walmart for their residential delivery services are not large structures, but a lack of definition, standards, and understanding about drone delivery infrastructure can lead to lengthy approval processes in some communities.

EnforceAir Counter Drone Software UpgradeEnforceAir Counter Drone Software Upgrade: New Remote ID, Detection, Identification, and Mitigation Capabilities

Today, Counter-UAS technology leader D-Fend Solutions announced the release of Version 23.03 of its EnforceAir software.  The upgrade introduces a host of new features, such as enhanced core drone takeover capabilities and coverage, enhanced Remote ID functionality, new Reporting and Analysis features, and upgraded information sharing for the SAPIENT C-UAS standard.

U.S. Drone Manufacturer Inspired Flight Integrates Phase One P3 Camera for Survey and Inspection

Commercial sUAS manufacturer Inspired Flight Technologies and aerial photography system developer Phase One have announced the launch of a new plug and play solution which integrates the Inspired Flight IF1200A and the Phase One P3 camera. The solution brings together advanced aerial imaging and flexible operations to serve a broad range of surveying and inspection applications.

A2Z Launches the RDSX Pelican Long Distance Delivery Drone

Commercial drone delivery solutions developer A2Z Drone Delivery has released its new RDSX Pelican delivery drone.   The RDSX Pelican features a hybrid VTOL airframe without control surfaces, combining the stability of a multirotor platform with the long range of a fixed wing craft. The new drone will be displayed for the first time at AUVSI XPONENTIAL in Denver, Colorado from May 9th-11th.

Blue sUAS and Public SafetyArkansas Bans Chinese Drones, Gives Agencies 4 Years to Phase Out Foreign Tech

Arkansas has followed Florida in a ban on Chinese drones: but Arkansas lawmakers have taken a realistic approach to phasing out technology manufactured by a “covered entity.”   This bill has no impact on commercial or civil operations in the state, and is applicable only to public agencies. Arkansas House Bill 1653, now Act 525, prohibits the purchase or operation of drones manufactured in China or other “covered entity” countries.  The Act is similar to a recently passed Florida bill, but differs in significant ways that make the Act more manageable for public safety agencies.

Headed to Xponential Next Week? Some of the Cant Miss Events and Tech

Headed to Xponential 2023 in Denver next week?  It’s a big show with lots to see.  Here are some of our favorite events – and a list of great tech to visit on the floor.  Please support our friends and sponsors by learning more about the innovative solutions they have to offer.

Smaller, Smarter, and Safer: ModalAI VOXL 2 Mini is a Supercomputer the Size of an Oreo™

Until just a few days ago, ModalAI’s VOXL 2 was the world’s smallest flying supercomputer. The San Diego, California based company just outdid itself with its newest release, the VOXL 2 Mini. Here’s how this latest Blue UAS Framework-compatible assembled-in-the-USA autopilot stacks up and infuses an impressive amount of computing power in the industry’s smallest sized form factor to date.

Zipline in Nigeria, Zipline valuationMedical Drone Delivery Pioneer Zipline Valuation Rises to $4.2 Billion

As reported by Forbes, drone delivery startup Zipline is currently raising $330 million in a new funding round. A filing in Delaware on April 10th revealed the Series F funding round, which priced Zipline at $40.20 per share. This funding values the company at roughly $4.2 billion, approximately a 55% increase over its $2.7 billion valuation from two years prior. Also detailed in the filing was a Series F-1 extension of up to $20 million which could still be rolled into the round, potentially changing the exact total raised. A lead investor has yet to be identified.

A New Affordable, NDAA-Compliant Small Drone from Japan: the ACSL SOTEN Enters US Market

Leading Japanese drone maker ACSL Ltd. has announced its official entrance into the U.S. commercial drone market. The company’s California subsidiary, ACSL Inc., will be introducing an affordable NDAA compliant small UAS to the US market later this year. ACSL Inc.’s market entrance will be led by CEO Cynthia Huang, a member of the Commercial UAV Advisory Board who previously led DJI’s North American Enterprise segment as well as drone software company Auterion.

WiBotic Power Pad wireless charging and data transfer for dronesWireless Charging and Data Transfer for Drones: WiBotic’s PowerPad Pro

Today, charging and power optimization company WiBotic introduced PowerPad Pro, a stand-alone platform capable of integrating into any UAV storage facility.  The platform automatically charges drones without physical connection points, all while wirelessly transferring flight data, images and video.  “PowerPad Pro enhances drone functionality for our partners working in environments where autonomous or semi-autonomous operations are a priority,” said WiBotic CEO and co-founder Ben Waters.

Wireless Charging and Data Transfer for Drones: WiBotic’s PowerPad Pro

WiBotic Power Pad wireless charging and data transfer for dronesWiBotic’s PowerPad Pro Enables Wireless Charging and Data Transfer for UAVs

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Today, charging and power optimization company WiBotic introduced PowerPad Pro, a stand-alone platform capable of integrating into any UAV storage facility.

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The platform automatically charges drones without physical connection points, all while wirelessly transferring flight data, images and video.

“PowerPad Pro enhances drone functionality for our partners working in environments where autonomous or semi-autonomous operations are a priority,” said WiBotic CEO and co-founder Ben Waters. “We designed it as a flexible solution for those who either already own and operate drones – and have their own infrastructure in place – or those who are looking for a more cost-effective option for fully autonomous operations. PowerPad Pro can be used as a stand-alone landing platform, or it can be integrated into any number of enclosures and form-factors such as trailers, sheds, or even truck beds.”

PowerPad Pro automatically begins wireless battery charging as soon as the UAV lands, removing the need for cables and connectors and providing a common landing pad platform for different sizes and types of UAVs. The platform provides power through the air, and is fully sealed to the elements. Additionally, tts programmable voltage and current serve to extend battery lifespan.

While charging, PowerPad Pro’s wireless data transfer allows UAVs to download flight and sensor data to an industrial computer located inside of the pad to be processed or automatically transmitted to a central location. Through the same wireless data link, remote operators can upload flight plans or monitor flights in real-time.

These benefits improve drone operations across various industries, including energy & utilities, construction, defense, and agriculture.

Wibotic has announced BlueHalo as the first partner for PowerPad Pro. The BlueHalo Intense Eye V2 (IE-V2) and E900 models are now available alongside WiBotic’s PowerPad Pro, supporting both charging and data offload.

“BlueHalo provides UAVs to both the commercial and defense sectors, with extensive experience in applications ranging from inspection and monitoring to intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions,” said Mary Clum, Sector President and Corporate Executive Vice President of BlueHalo. “There is a growing demand for permanently deployed and remotely controlled UAVs. PowerPad Pro has given us a single, reliable tool to integrate autonomous charging and data offload capabilities into our UAV platforms, allowing us to offer new solutions and better support critical customer missions.”

Another of the PowerPad Pro’s first partners is Valmont Industries Inc. “Valmont has been working closely with WiBotic and other partners to enhance our drone inspection capabilities,” said Angi Chamberlain, Valmont’s VP of UAS Technology Solutions. “For the first time, PowerPad Pro provides a charging platform that works with any of the different UAVs we use. Remote flight plan uploads and automated sensor data downloads also allow us to perform inspections on a moment’s notice at any location where the platform is deployed.”

The PowerPad Pro will be on display at AUVSI Xponential in Denver, CO from May 8th-11th, 2023.

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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.

Medical Drone Delivery Pioneer Zipline Valuation Rises to $4.2 Billion

Zipline in Utah Zipline medical Zipline in Nigeria Covid-19 vaccines by drone, Zipline in RwandaZipline Valuation Rises to $4.2 Billion with New Funding Round

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

As reported by Forbes, drone delivery startup Zipline is currently raising $330 million in a new funding round.

Continue reading below, or listen:

A filing in Delaware on April 10th revealed the Series F funding round, which priced Zipline at $40.20 per share. This funding values the company at roughly $4.2 billion, approximately a 55% increase over its $2.7 billion valuation from two years prior. Also detailed in the filing was a Series F-1 extension of up to $20 million which could still be rolled into the round, potentially changing the exact total raised. A lead investor has yet to be identified.

“We recently closed our Series F funding round at an increased valuation, which involved several new and existing investors,” said a statement from Zipline. “We are well capitalized to continue to grow our operations, including launching our new home delivery service.

This news follows the recent announcement of Zipline’s new autonomous drone, the Platform 2. The new drone is capable of carrying eight pounds of cargo at a range of 10 miles, and is able to charge on a docking station resembling a lamppost. Zipline has also announced new partnerships with food chain Sweetgreen, Michigan Medicine and several other health systems.

The company’s growth is in large part due to its activities in Africa. Zipline began deploying its autonomous delivery drones in Rwanda in 2016 before expanding to Ghana, where it saw major success delivering blood and Covid-19 vaccines during the early months of the pandemic.

“Most people think that advanced technology is going to start in the U.S. and then trickle its way out to these other countries,” said Zipline CEO and co-founder Keller Rinaudo when speaking to Forbes. “That is not what we’re seeing.”

The company is currently active in Arkansas, North Carolina and Utah in the U.S., as well as in Cote d’Ivoire, Japan, Kenya and Nigeria. Zipline’s expansion in the U.S. was boosted after a waiver from the FAA enabled the company to conduct drone deliveries of Covid-19 relief supplies in 2020. The following year, it began piloting commercial deliveries in partnership with Walmart. Although wide-scale operations in the U.S. are currently reliant on FAA clearance, the promise of an approaching solution to these regulatory hurdles provides a strong incentive for investors.

Zipline has raised from firms such as Andreessen Horowitz, Slow Ventures, Katalyst Ventures and GV, the venture firm of Google parent Alphabet. Pactolus Ventures, Intercorp, Emerging Capital Partners and Reinvent Capital led its 2021 funding round. With the addition of this new funding from the Series F round, Zipline has raised over $900 million so far, according to startup tracker PitchBook.

Read more:

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.

Smaller, Smarter, and Safer: ModalAI VOXL 2 Mini is a Supercomputer the Size of an Oreo™

ModalAI VOXL 2 MiniEven Smaller, Smarter and Safer

New ModalAI VOXL 2 Mini Autopilot Packs Supercomputing Power in Smallest Form Factor Yet

By: Dawn Zoldi

Until just a few days ago, ModalAI’s VOXL 2 was the world’s smallest flying supercomputer. The San Diego, California based company just outdid itself with its newest release, the VOXL 2 Mini. Here’s how this latest Blue UAS Framework-compatible assembled-in-the-USA autopilot stacks up and infuses an impressive amount of computing power in the industry’s smallest sized form factor to date.

Smaller

ModalAI reduced the size of its already incredibly small VOXL 2 autopilot by 30 percent. The VOXL 2 occupies an already extraordinarily small amount of onboard space (70mm x 36mm dimensions) for makers of any small robot or drone. The VOXL 2 Mini packs the exact same power into a size-reduced 42mm x 42mm area. Overall, the entire computing stack is as small as an Oreo cookie.

And it weighs slightly less than an Oreo! A regular Oreo cookie weighs about 11.3 grams; the VOXL 2 Mini weighs 11 grams. This is a 5g decrease in weight from its predecessor, the already light 16g VOXL 2 (which, incidentally, weighs somewhere between the Double Stuf and the limited edition Mega Stuf Oreo).

The company loaded this smaller autopilot up with the same smart processing power as the VOXL 2 to innervate even smaller and smarter drones and robots.

Smarter 

Autonomous navigation remains a critical feature for any mission-critical drone or robot. Increasingly, resilience and the ability to operate in complex and challenging environments rank high on the must-have list. The VOXL 2 Mini provides for both.

Powered by the same technology as VOXL 2, the VOXL 2 Mini also features the powerful Qualcomm QRB5165 with 8 cores up to 3.091GHz, four MIPI-CSI image sensor inputs, pre-configured accessories for WiFi, 4G/5G, and Microhard connectivity.

Both autopilots provide 4 times the computing power of the company’s original VOXL offering. They also integrate the PX4 real-time flight controller, a state-of-the-art CPU, video encoder, GPU and Neural Processing Unit (NPU), with ModalAI’s open VOXL SDK.

To complement the VOXL 2 Mini is the company’s new ESC Mini. The ESC Mini combines two traditionally separate boards: an integrated power management system (APM) and 4-in-1 electronic speed controller (ESC), into one SWAP-optimized PCB with less cabling and less weight – only 5.8g compared to 16g for the previous ESC and APM combination. The ESC’s advanced control algorithms allow for open and closed loop operation with accurate RPM control. The ESC Mini’s closed loop RPM controller actively monitors and adjusts the speeds of the motors based on the commands from the Flight Controller, similar to the cruise control in a car. This precise tuning enables VOXL 2 Mini-powered drones to fly even more accurately; improving flight time efficiency.

The VOXL 2 Mini is more alike than different from its precursor, though. It leverages the same image sensors as VOXL 2 for best-in-class computer vision performance. It comes with support for thermal payloads like FLIR Lepton®and Boson®. And more sensors equals more safety.

Safer

The VOXL 2 Mini contains innovative artificial intelligence (AI) to accelerate vehicle autonomy. Its use of QRB5165’s Qualcomm AI Engine pushes 15 trillions of operations per second, or “tera operations per second” (TOPS) of AI performance with industry leading power consumption.

It also provides unparalleled Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO), to fly safely and reliably. VIO uses visual and inertial data to measure distance traveled and 3D space positions in a localized environment without the need to have a GPS signal.

VIO acts as the foundation of other computer vision functions including obstacle avoidance, SLAM, position control and autonomous navigation in GPS-denied environments. VOXL 2 Mini’s SDK integration completes the loop to direct the autonomous behaviors required to safely and reliably avoid obstacles, including mapping and planning software and Collision Prevention.

The VOXL 2 Mini can also integrate PMD’S Time of Flight (ToF) sensor, for even more robust and reliable mapping for indoor autonomous navigation, even in GPS-denied environments.

And Even Easier

VOXL 2 Mini’s compatibility with popular development, open software and other Blue UAS Framework components make it the ideal platform to more rapidly and easily accelerate the development of the smallest, smartest and safest drones and robots yet.

The VOXL 2 Mini can plug-and-play with and other Blue UAS Framework image sensors, radios and connectors. Its ability to sync with popular dev tools such as PX4, ROS 2, Open CV, Open CL, and TensorFlow Lite makes it even more developer-friendly. Finally, VOXL 2 Mini’s hardware, designed with an industry standard 30.5mm x 30.5mm mount add to the ease of upgrade for the smallest drone and robotic designs.

“The response to VOXL 2 has been incredible, and we are thrilled for customers to experience the same powerful computing in an even smaller design,” said Chad Sweet, CEO and co-founder of ModalAI, Inc. “VOXL 2 Mini delivers the same performance as its VOXL 2 predecessor in a smaller form factor, ideal to mount onto sub 150-250g drones”.

To learn more about ModalAI’s VOXL 2 Mini autopilot: https://modalai.com/voxl-2-mini

Read more:

Dawn M.K. Zoldi (Colonel, USAF, Retired) is a licensed attorney with 28 years of combined active duty military and federal civil service to the U.S. Air Force. She is the CEO & Founder of P3 Tech Consulting and an internationally recognized expert on uncrewed  aircraft system law and policy. Zoldi contributes to several magazines and hosts popular tech podcasts. Zoldi is also an Adjunct Professor for two universities, at the undergraduate and graduate levels. In 2022, she received the Airwards People’s Choice Industry Impactor Award, was recognized as one of the Top Women to Follow on LinkedIn and listed in the eVTOL Insights 2022 PowerBook. For more information, follow her on social media and visit her website at: https://www.p3techconsulting.com.

 

Headed to Xponential Next Week? Some of the Can’t Miss Events and Tech

Headed to Xponential 2023 in Denver next week?  It’s a big show with lots to see.  Here are some of our favorite events – and a list of great tech to visit on the floor.  Please support our friends and sponsors by learning more about the innovative solutions they have to offer.

Events Not to Miss: Keynotes, Sessions, and More

Keynotes: this year’s show has a great lineup of international speakers and thought leaders.  They’re all compelling, but if you have to choose, don’t miss AUVSI’s Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins and Fortress Information Security VP of Strategy and Policy Tobias Whitney on the concept of trusted cyber on Day 1, and an address from FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen on Day 2.

Sessions: There’s so much to choose from we can’t name a favorite!  Use the program search tool on the Xponential website to find the educational events that align with your program goals.  Some we found interesting include:

The Expo Hall: It’s big, it’s cool, and it’s fun.  Visit our friends and sponsors!

Blue Marble Geographics

Blue Marble Geographics is a GIS and geodetic software development company based in Maine. Products include Geographic Calculator, the industry standard for precise spatial data conversion and advanced coordinate system management, and Global Mapper, an all-in-one GIS application with a comprehensive array of data processing and analysis tools.

Booth: 1805

BRINC Drones

BRINC is an American developer and manufacturer of technology in the service of public safety. BRINC products address the major challenges in American public safety and allow law enforcement and first responders to assess a threat profile and de-escalate conflict without putting individuals in harm’s way.

Booth: 2427

Presenting:

Censys Technologies Corporation

Censys Technologies Corporation builds remote sensing solutions. This includes the Sentaero family of products – which is the UAV performance & value leader. Our priority is centered on understanding customer needs & delivering technology & products that will perform & grow their business – bringing intelligence to business from beyond the horizon.

Censys is planning to roll out the Sentaero 5, which is remote ID compliant, can fly on cellular unlocking our range to 55 miles, BVLOS approved, with upgraded UI and safety features.

Booth: 2007

Presenting:

Detect Inc. C-UAV

For drone detection, the DroneWatcher Drone Surveillance Radar (DroneWatcher DSR) configuration of HARRIER provides detection of both cooperative and non-cooperative drones. DeTect’s HARRIER Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) system provides long-range airspace monitoring with automatic aircraft risk advisories.

Booth: 3430

DroneDeploy

DroneDeploy is the world’s leading reality capture platform, digitizing the physical world to make the future of work safer, smarter and more efficient for everyone. Trusted by the companies that power our world, DroneDeploy saves time, improves safety and lowers unforeseen costs in construction, oil and gas, and clean energy – all in one platform.

Booth 1634, also co-exhibiting with Boston Dynamics at Booth 2221 (don’t miss this chance to see Spot in action!)

Why Spot? Robotics and automation are increasingly critical to the future of oil & gas.   Ground robots promise to be a game-changing technology in the sector – enabling real-time and automated inspections of critical assets while also reducing emissions and improving safety.

Using sensing payloads from MFE and Spot from Boston Dynamics, experts from DroneDeploy will demonstrate how to:

  • Create workflows to automate robotic inspections
  • Visualize a digital twin of midstream assets and facilities
  • Perform autonomous 360 site inspections to identify assets
  • Collect data that determines the status of gauges and detecting anomalies in thermal and gas readings
  • Integrate data pipelines with custom logic and machine learning

Presenting:

Drone Nerds

Drone Nerds is the largest distributor of enterprise drones in the United States. Our expert team specializes in supporting drone programs across all industry verticals, including inspection, agriculture, public safety, construction, and many more. We are the comprehensive drone solution provider in the industry..

Booth: 3209

DRONERESPONDERS

DRONERESPONDERS is the leading public safety non-profit advancing public safety UAS.  Pre-Register for DRONERESPONDERS: Drones for Good™ Global Public Safety Forum Events.

Presenting:

Elsight

Presenting:

  • Elsight’s CTO, Roee Kashi will be speaking at the University of North Dakota Booth 409 on Wednesday, May 10 at 3PM as part of the Assure Program with Applied Aeronautics, Sagetech, and IRIS.

Elsight is a  finalists for the AUVSI Xcellence Awards.

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

The UAS Integration Office is responsible for leading FAA’s efforts to safely integrate drones and advanced air mobility (AAM) operations into the U.S. National Airspace System (NAS).

Booth: 2434

Gremsy

Gremsy is a leading global manufacturer of quality, cutting-edge camera stabilizers used by mappers, surveyors, inspectors, drone service providers, and industry experts. Gremsy gimbals are designed for integration with various drones and cameras, providing steady footage and efficient solutions for many industrial applications.

Gremsy is planning to bring some advanced products to the show, such as Zio, Duo V2, and the new Pixy S.

Booth: 2746

Inspired Flight

Inspired Flight (IFT) is a UAV hardware manufacturer that specializes in commercial and federal UAVs. Based in the US, IFT is committed to growing to the forefront of the domestic drone industry. IFT vehicles are built with pilots in mind, enabling them to safely complete objectives while improving the enterprise’s efficiency and bottom line.

Booth: 2416

RIIS, LLC  Mobile Development Company

RIIS is a development company specializing in custom software and hardware for multiple drone platforms that solves high-level challenges. We can help you create a mobile drone app, add another drone platform to your current app or add functionality to your existing app, including Livestreaming, LAANC, Machine Learning and more.

Booth: 3142

SimActive

Correlator3D is a photogrammetry suite that performs aerial triangulation (AT) and produces dense digital surface models (DSM), digital terrain models (DTM), point clouds, orthomosaics, 3D models and vectorized 3D features. C3D ensures matchless processing speed to support rapid production of large datasets.

Booth: 1620

Skydio

Skydio is the leading U.S. drone manufacturer and world leader in autonomous flight. Skydio leverages breakthrough AI to create the world’s most intelligent flying machines for use by consumers, enterprises, and government customers. Founded in 2014, Skydio is made up of leading experts in AI, robotics, cameras, and electric vehicles from top companies, research labs, and universities from around the world. Skydio designs, assembles, and supports its products in the U.S. from its headquarters in San Mateo, CA, to offer the highest standards of supply chain and manufacturing security.

Booth: 2608

Skyfish makes an end-to-end drone platform technology stack which enables precision measurement and analysis of critical infrastructure assets. The Skyfish platform consists of drones (Skyfish M4, Skyfish M6), an onboard computer and autonomous flight engine, a ruggedized remote controller, flight software, and a web-based 3D modeling engine.

Booth: 4520

Presenting:

Teledyne’s FLIR, DALSA, Lumenera, and Geospatial imaging solutions for unmanned systems including compact and board-level cameras, compact lidar sensors, 360-degree spherical imaging, and thermal imaging devices for defense, municipal infrastructure, precision agriculture, power line surveillance, mapping, surveying, and mining.

Booth: 1811

Titan has earned a reputation as a quality service provider of customizable aircraft management solutions, low cost charter, and transparent aircraft sales transactions, turnkey aircraft operations management, and ethical aviation consulting services.

Presenting:

Warren Community College

At WarrenUAS the sky is NOT the limit.The WarrenUAS program at Warren Community College is a licensed and a. ccredited college dedicated to UxS education. Certified as an AUVSI TOP Level 3 Training Provider, an ASTM Certified Training Center, and a member of the FAA CTI program; Warren holds certificates of waiver for Flight Over People and Beyond Visual Line of Sight. Warren offers certificates and a degree in UxS Systems. WarrenUAS has labs for Photogrammetry, GIS, flight simulation, air, sea, and land drones, and a robotics build and repair laboratory. The Flight Training Center offers a droneport, drone racing course, NIST certification apparatus, an accident reconstruction station, and plenty of Class G airspace to fly both multi-copter and fixed-wing aircraft.

Booth: 1606

Presenting:

” alt=”Miriam McNabb” width=”100″ height=”100″ data-src=”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a63a0b8dddd8bba2cd521329ce091bb5?s=100&d=mm&r=r” data-srcset=”https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/a63a0b8dddd8bba2cd521329ce091bb5?s=200&d=mm&r=r 2x” />

Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry.  Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.

TWITTER:@spaldingbarker

Subscribe to DroneLife here.

Arkansas Bans Chinese Drones, Gives Agencies 4 Years to Phase Out Foreign Tech

data privacy for dji Chinese-made dronesArkansas has followed Florida in a ban on Chinese drones: but Arkansas lawmakers have taken a realistic approach to phasing out technology manufactured by a “covered entity.”

Continue reading below, or listen:

This bill has no impact on commercial or civil operations in the state, and is applicable only to public agencies.

Arkansas House Bill 1653, now Act 525, prohibits the purchase or operation of drones manufactured in China or other “covered entity” countries.  The Act is similar to a recently passed Florida bill, but differs in significant ways that make the Act more manageable for public safety agencies.

How the Arkansas Act Differs from the Florida Ban

The recently enacted ban in Florida has caused problems for public safety entities and other state agencies by limiting drone options to a very narrow list of only 5 drone manufacturers. In addition, the ban provided no provision for grandfathering existing equipment, forcing public safety agencies to retrain personnel and replace entire fleets in a short time frame.  Florida lawmakers continue to debate the issues that public safety agencies face as a result of the ban.

Which Drones are Banned, and What is a “Covered Entity”?

From Act 525:

(1) “Covered foreign entity” means an individual, foreign government, or a party other than an individual or foreign government:
(A) On the Consolidated Screening List or Entity List as designated by the United States Secretary of Commerce

(B) Domiciled in the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation;

(C) Under the influence or control by the government of the People’s Republic of China or the Russian Federation; or

(D) That is a subsidiary or affiliate of an individual, government or party referred to in subdivisions (a)(1)(A)-(C) of this section;

In contrast to the Florida ban, Arkansas’ Act 525 will prohibit the purchase or operation of a drone manufactured or assembled in China, Russia, or a “covered entity” – defined as Chinese, Russian, or listed on the federal government’s “covered entity” list.  This approach defines what can’t be used – most notably, DJI drones – but does not strictly limit the options which can be used to replace them.  In addition, Act 525 gives agencies 4 years, until May 1 2027, to comply with the rule.  Those four years are significant: while not the full life cycle of most drone hardware, it will give agencies time to slowly replace and retrain, without forcing them to simply stop operating.

Finally, Act 525 provides a waiver provision: allowing public agencies to apply for an exception to the rule:

The Secretary of the Department of Transformation and Shared Services may waive the restriction under subdivision (b)(2) or subdivision (c)(2) of this section upon:

(1) His or her review of the necessity to purchase a small unmanned aircraft system that is manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity due to exigent circumstances, Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or criminal investigative purposes; and Notification to the General Assembly.












 






 




 








A2Z Launches the RDSX Pelican Long Distance Delivery Drone


A2Z Long Distance Delivery Drone: New RDSX Pelican


by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby


Commercial drone delivery solutions developer A2Z Drone Delivery has released its new RDSX Pelican delivery drone.


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The RDSX Pelican features a hybrid VTOL airframe without control surfaces, combining the stability of a multirotor platform with the long range of a fixed wing craft. The new drone will be displayed for the first time at AUVSI XPONENTIAL in Denver, Colorado from May 9th-11th.


The Pelican is available in several model variations, and can be customized for a wide range of missions. The A2Z Drone Delivery drone winch enables the Pelican to complete deliveries from altitude, keeping its propellers far from people and property. It can also be configured with a simple servo-release mechanism that can release payloads and expand the drone’s payload capacity. It can be further customized for applications such as aerial mapping, drone inspection, forestry services, search and rescue operations, water sample collection, offshore deliveries, and mining, among others.


“Here at A2Z Drone Delivery, our development is not just about maximizing performance, it’s about creating usable tools designed to get work done,” said A2Z Founder and CEO Aaron Zhang. “A full-service drone delivery ecosystem will need a fleet of short, medium and long-range UAV platforms capable of depositing payloads in an array of settings. The new RDSX Pelican is the highly efficient, long range delivery platform in that last-mile fleet. It is thoughtfully designed to minimize potential points of failure, reducing the overall cost-per-kilometer of logistics operations, all while providing maximum payload flexibility.”


Optimized with the A2Z Drone Delivery RDS2 drone winch, the Pelican features a 45 knot cruising speed; a Max Payload Capacity of up to 7-8 kg; a Max Range of 50 km with no payload and of 40 km with a 5 kg payload; a 55lb. max takeoff weight; and an operational cost of 13 cents per kilogram per kilometer. The Pelican does not require specialty delivery boxes, and is able to accept any shape payload with dimensions up to 400 x 300 x 300mm. Its payload auto-release mechanism can deposit a box without a human receiver, and it can retrieve payloads up to 5 kg while hovering at a safe altitude. It also features A2Z 4G Link, a General-Purpose Payload Hook, Passive Payload Lock, Tether Abandonment, A2Z Ground Control Station, and an Intuitive Flight Controller.


Starting at $29,000, the RDSX Pelican comes in a range of model variations suited to different use cases. A2Z Drone Delivery can also fully customize the drone for more specific applications. The available variations are the RDSX Pelican with Winch, RDSX Pelican Payloads, and Custom RDSX Pelican. The company is currently accepting pre-orders on a first-come-first-served basis, with initial deliveries expected for June 2023.




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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.





 






 




 








U.S. Drone Manufacturer Inspired Flight Integrates Phase One P3 Camera for Survey and Inspection


Inspired Flight Blue sUAS heavy liftInspired Flight and Phase One Announce New Integrated Solution


by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby


Commercial sUAS manufacturer Inspired Flight Technologies and aerial photography system developer Phase One have announced the launch of a new plug and play solution which integrates the Inspired Flight IF1200A and the Phase One P3 camera.


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The solution brings together advanced aerial imaging and flexible operations to serve a broad range of surveying and inspection applications.


“Our customer base in both the mapping and inspection markets made it clear to us that integrating tightly with Phase One is critical to their business goals and future growth,” said Inspired Flight Product Manager and Co-Founder Marc Stollmeyer. “The Phase One team was great to work with during the integration effort, and we can’t wait to bring this new capability to the market on an industry-leading NDAA-compliant UAS.”


“We’re looking forward to deepening this partnership and continuing to make Inspired Flight and Phase One one of the go-to UAV solutions for inspections,” said Phase One Unmanned Portfolio Director Michael Messerschmidt. “With this plug and play solution, customers have an exceptional opportunity to increase their data quality, end-to-end productivity, and operational safety using a proven UAV platform. We are confident that our joint solution will empower customers to conduct more efficient missions with unrivaled performance.”


The Inspired Flight and Phase One integration solution combines both market-leading products in order to provide numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency, complete camera control, and the ability to write GNSS data directly on an image. The Phase One P3 Payload features a high-resolution 100MP iXM camera specially made for UAVs. It includes a BSI sensor with a maximum dynamic range of 83dB, a rangefinder with Smart Focus, and a wide range of lenses.


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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.





 






 




 








EnforceAir Counter Drone Software Upgrade: New Remote ID, Detection, Identification, and Mitigation Capabilities


EnforceAir Counter Drone Software UpgradeD-Fend Solutions Introduces Upgrade to EnforceAir C-UAS Software


by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby


Today, Counter-UAS technology leader D-Fend Solutions announced the release of Version 23.03 of its EnforceAirsoftware.


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The upgrade introduces a host of new features, such as enhanced core drone takeover capabilities and coverage, enhanced Remote ID functionality, new Reporting and Analysis features, and upgraded information sharing for the SAPIENT C-UAS standard.


Version 23.03 includes an update to EnforceAir’s cyber detection and mitigation methods, with new detection, identification and mitigation capabilities for over 20 new drones from leading manufacturers, as well as enhanced coverage of popular drones with high threat grades.  EnforceAir’s Remote ID functionality has also been improved, with long range support for the detection, identification and tracking of drones and add-on modules compliant with US, EU and Japanese standards.


These capabilities are further strengthened with enhanced situational awareness, including seamless merger and data enrichment of Remote ID broadcasted data.


The Remote ID data layer will now be embedded in all EnforceAir products and configurations, including tactical deployment configuration and networked MSC2 system, featuring real time display, API and analysis and replay abilities.


EnforceAir’s data analysis capabilities are also being enhanced, with new reporting abilities that take advantage of the replay feature, as well as a new drone activity overview report, the first in a series of new reports and analyses.


Additionally, the program will now support information sharing with external C2 systems using SAPIENT, the Sensing for Asset Protection with Integrated Electronic Network Technology standard from the UK MoD.


EnforceAir’s API has also been updated to share more drone information elements to other systems while being leveraged as part of an integrated defense solution. The system APIs will undergo periodic updates going forward, guaranteeing effective and holistic data sharing with connected, multi-layered C2 systems.


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Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.





 






 




 








A Big Win for Drone Delivery in Florida: New Legislation Will Smooth the Way for Drone Ports


Last Thursday, April 27, lawmakers in the Florida House voted unanimously to pass SB 1068, designed to ease the way for drone delivery in Florida.




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SB1068 is an addendum to Florida’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, and is designed to preempt local regulations regarding the development of drone delivery ports, infrastructure critical to operating drone delivery services at scale.  Drone delivery ports such as those proposed by Walmart for their residential delivery services are not large structures, but a lack of definition, standards, and understanding about drone delivery infrastructure can lead to lengthy approval processes in some communities.


The new bill defines a drone port (under 1500 square feet, built in a non-residential area, and constructed in accordance with Florida state building codes) and exempts drone ports from compliance with certain fire codes (which don’t reasonably apply to drone port structures.)  In addition, the bill protects drone delivery companies and drone ports from local neighborhood restrictions:












(c) Except as otherwise expressly provided, a political subdivision may not withhold issuance of a business tax receipt, development permit, or other use approval to a drone delivery service or enact or enforce an ordinance or resolution that prohibits a drone delivery service’s operation based on the location of its drone port…












DroneUp, the drone services provider operating residential drone delivery for Walmart, commented on the bill, which will help all drone delivery services in Florida.


“This bill has significant importance for growing the drone industry in Florida. We praise Governor DeSantis, State Senator Jay Collins, Representative Wyman Duggan, and the entire Florida legislature for seeing the value drones can add to their state,” said Tom Walker, CEO of DroneUp. “Drones can help Floridians with last-mile delivery, natural disaster response, infrastructure support, and in many other areas. This bill is critical for the growth of the industry in Florida and the infrastructure needed to bring the tremendous benefits of drones to more communities.”


Anthony Vittone, COO of DroneUp, added: “The unanimous approval by the Florida Legislature of legislation that reduces regulatory barriers to the expansion of drone infrastructure indicates that lawmakers are recognizing how important this game-changing technology is to their constituents. DroneUp looks forward to working with the entire drone industry to provide the benefits of this technology to the American people.”


Grant Guillot, DroneUp’s VP of Regulatory Affairs, said, “The fact that every single Florida legislator – whether Democrat or Republican – who voted on this legislation did so in support of the bill underscores the nonpartisan nature of drone delivery issues. We applaud all the members of both the Florida Senate and House of Representatives for taking this step to assist with the safe integration of drones into the National Airspace System.”


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