GPS World

Tag: Martek

  • Port of Amsterdam trials GPS-based UAV monitoring system

    The M.A.D.S. radomes track drones at the port, so they can be identified as beneficial or a threat. (Photo: Martek)
    The M.A.D.S. radomes track drones at the port, so they can be identified as beneficial or a threat. (Photo: Martek)

    The Port of Amsterdam has begun a four-week trial of a drone detection system. Martek Anti-Drone Systems is providing its M.A.D.S. (Marine Anti-Drone System) to build understanding of how, where and why drones are flying over the Port of Amsterdam.

    The M.A.D.S system will support the port by monitoring legal and illegal flying across its land. The system detects and identifies drones within a 5-kilometer range, providing GPS positioning of both drone and pilot together with the drone’s speed and heading.

    Configurable and escalating stage alarms in real time allow the drones’ intentions to be assessed in time to decide on appropriate defense actions.

    M.A.D.S. radomes are installed around the Port of Amsterdam. (Photo: Martek)
    M.A.D.S. radomes are installed around the Port of Amsterdam. (Photo: Martek)

    The data collected from the trial will have far-reaching influence on the future use of UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) across the 650-hectare port area, according to Martek.

    The port has identified the potential of drones for numerous use applications across its operations and its customers’ operations. Many port customers are preparing to use drones for infrastructure inspection and measurement of environmental parameters. The trial will monitor their use.

    Project manager of  innovation Joost Zuidema is overseeing the trial for the Port Authority. “This trial is an important part of our innovation strategy,” Zuidema said. “The M.A.D.S system gives us a first opportunity to get a feeling for the technology that will help us understand drone usage and make a first assessment on unwanted drone flights in a part of our port.”

    Like any tool, drones are being used for good as well as malevolent purposes. There is a potential threat to transport such as container ships and major infrastructure, such as ports, around the world. Threats include:

    • privacy invasion
    • terrorism threats of explosives or gas attack
    • flyby hacking to take control of autonomous or semi-autonomous systems
    • stealing valuable data off unprotected networks or breaking into insecure networks
    Infographic: Martek:
    Infographic: Martek:

    “As the Port Authority, we do want ensure drone flights in our port are carried out safely and responsibly, within the laws and regulations,” Zuidema said.

    “The growing trend for the use of UAVs being used on ports, commercial shipping and super yachts is, as yet, not fully recognised by authorities,” said Erik Van Wilsum, Martek. “We are delighted to be working with Port of Amsterdam, who are on the cutting edge of developing technology to understand the opportunities for drone use and the potential threats and benefits they can provide for key national infrastructure.”

    A report by International Data Corporation stated that it expected worldwide investment in drones to be US$12.3 billion in 2019, with drone purchase growing nearly twice as fast as the investment in robotics over the same period.

  • UNICEF UAS vaccine delivery trial takes place this month

    UNICEF and the Vanuatu government have selected Martek Marine to demonstrate UAV use for vaccine delivery. Martek will fund the trial, which will take place on Efate Island Aug. 21–25.

    Vanuatu is an archipelago of 83 islands —  65 of which are inhabited — that stretch 1,600 kilometers. Many islands are only accessed by boat, and mobile vaccination teams are frequently required to walk to communities carrying needed equipment to undertake vaccinations of children and communities in remote areas. The climate, lack of infrastructure and topography make this an arduous task.

    The trial aims to assess technologies and proven safe operators that can help reduce the vaccine supply chain disruption and enhance service delivery, without requiring massive investment in infrastructure and transport. It will also provide the opportunity to explore and understand the wider application and potential of UAVs in the Pacific region long term.

  • Martek deploys Centrik aviation management for BVLOS UAVs

    Martek Marine has deployed the Centrik system to manage its UAS operation, the same system used by major airlines.

    Centrik is a cloud-based aviation management software solution specifically tailored for RPAS/UAS operations. It encompasses all aspects of operations: safety, quality, compliance and risk management, while providing comprehensive reporting functions, the company said.

    Centrik gives visibility of every single electronic flight bag and enables sharing of audit information direct with the Civil Aviation Authority or any interested third parties.

    It maintains a complete training record for every single member of staff, allowing us to see instantly who has which qualification and who needs to renew their training.

    It also compiles all assessment results, delivers alerts management when training certificates are about to expire and provides handy checklists of core competencies.

    Martek UAS.

    Pushing UAS capabilities to enable a multitude of compelling use cases can only happen with the approval of the relevant Aviation Authorities who are requiring us to demonstrate the highest level of operational standards and business oversight.

    “Thinking that you can manage a major UAS operation with old fashioned spreadsheets, folders and emails is fundamentally flawed — akin to putting cartwheels on a Tesla,” said Paul Forster, head of UAS Operations. “Investing in Centrik is another statement of our intent to be the world-leader in UAS operations, to compliment our well documented $multi-million investments so far in the world’s best maritime UAS/RPAS.”