First FAA-approved UAS flies at airport, self-driving lidar tech, DARPA robot
Check out this week’s article from the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), which takes a look at some of the latest news and headlines in unmanned vehicles and robotics, including the first FAA-approved UAS flight at an airport, a collaboration for cheaper self-driving lidar technology, and a DARPA robot that catches a drone mid-air.
3D Robotics and Autodesk conduct first FAA-approved UAS flight at an airport
On Jan. 10, 3D Robotics and Autodesk conducted the first UAS flight at an airport that was approved by the Federal Aviation Administration, under the Part 107 rules.
The flight was used to collect aerial data of two parking structures at the Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, which are scheduled to be demolished.
3D Robotics and Autodesk were charged with the task of conducting these flights after a design and engineering firm named Atkins was commissioned by the city of Atlanta to help with the expansion of the world’s busiest airport, by demolishing the two parking structures.
Knowing that the quickest way to obtain the information necessary for this project was through using UAS, Atkins reached out to 3D Robotics and Autodesk so that they could gain permission from the FAA to conduct the flights.
To get permission to conduct the flights at the airport, the team from 3D Robotics first had to obtain authorization through the FAA’s new online portal. During the authorization process, 3D Robotics and Atkins successfully demonstrated the ability to safely operate 3D Robotics’ autonomous aerial data capture platform, the Site Scan, in a critical location.
LeddarTech Inc., Integrated Device Technology aim to make self-driving lidar tech cheaper
Today LeddarTech Inc., of Quebec City, and Integrated Device Technology of San Jose, California, have announced they have entered a partnership to develop the LeddarCore LCA2 integrated circuits, a key element of lidar systems for automated vehicles.
“This partnership brings together two driving forces, combining LeddarTech’s highly specialized know-how in solid-state lidars with IDT’s world-class expertise in the development of highly integrated automotive-grade ICs. IDT’s strong track record and extensive relationships within the automotive ecosystem make it a partner of choice for the LCA2 project,” says LeddarTech CEO, Charles Boulanger.
LeddarTech says the LCA2 allows for higher lidar ranges and sensitivity at lower cost, enabling the production of 2-D and 3-D flash lidars that cost less than $100 each. These can be used for advanced driver assist applications, such as park assist, or even fully autonomous driving systems.
DARPA’s robot arm catches a drone in mid-air
DARPA is showcasing its new SideArm device, which is able to catch UAS mid-flight. In a recent test, SideArm was able to "catch a Lockheed Martin Fury [UAS] weighing 400 pounds," and was able to recover objects up to 1,100 pounds.
It catches the UAS by "using a single rail to hook on the back of the aircraft" and directs it slowly down the system. SideArm is also easily transported, able to fit into a 20-foot shipping container that can be loaded onto military trucks or aircraft.
While the system has a primary use for ships, DARPA believes that it could also fit inside cargo planes or on the back of trucks, allowing any branch of the military to use it to launch and catch UAS.
PBOT wants $12K for drones to assess storm damages
The Portland Bureau of Transportation wants to purchase a UASto help it assess storm damage.
Recent severe weather in Portland "caused several landslides, sinkholes and left many areas severely flooded."
Landslides and sinkholes are dangerous and difficult to inspect using traditional methods, says PBOT, and the UAS would allow inspectors to "go to places that [they] have not been able to go in the past to make a good analysis" and determine how best to address the damage.
The PBOT plans to ask the Portland City Council for a total of $12,000 that will cover the costs of a professional grade UAS, an amateur UAS, cameras, and training and certification so that officials can safely fly the systems over areas affected by severe weather.
View more information on the AUVSI.
Share your vision-related news by contacting James Carroll, Senior Web Editor, Vision Systems Design
To receive news like this in your inbox, click here.
Join our LinkedIn group | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter
Learn more: search the Vision Systems Design Buyer's Guide for companies, new products, press releases, and videos