The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) will co-host the 2022 FAA Drone Symposium April 28 in Orlando. The event will take place at the Orange County Convention Center.
The 2022 FAA Drone Symposium (formerly the FAA UAS Symposium) will focus on commercial operations, both at home and abroad. According to the show organizers, this collaborative event brings together industry and key FAA personnel to share best practices and lessons learned from operations, discuss challenges, and chart the course for the future of drone integration.
Session topics will include drone supply and demand, Beyond Visual Line of Sight Aviation Rulemaking Committee (BVLOS ARC) insights, drone integration and airspace integration.
A roundup of recent products in the GNSS and inertial positioning industry from the December 2021 issue of GPS World magazine.
OEM
Satellite-cell terminal
With built-in GPS receiver
Photo: OQ
OQ Technology’s dual-mode satellite-cellular IoT modem and tracker is a plug-and-play, small, low-cost and low-power solution that can collect data from more than 1,000 sensors. It has a built-in GPS receiver and supports 5G NB-IoT, GSM, LTE-M and bi-directional satellite links. The flexible, robust and programmable dual-mode terminal has pre-paid data packages suitable for remotely monitoring and controlling fixed and mobile assets in industries such as transportation, oil and gas, utilities, and maritime.
Provides mission-critical, extended length GPS over fiber
Photo: ViaLite
ViaLite’s GPS over Fiber Extension Kit for Microchip/Microsemi GPS timing servers provides mission-critical GPS timing and synchronization for systems requiring extremely accurate clock signals. Standard transmission distances for the extension kit can be up to 10 km, while solutions are available for distances as long as 50 km. The ViaLite kit was chosen for its unique performance with Microsemi’s S650 timing server. The ViaLite GPS link is designed to provide a remote GPS/GNSS signal or derived timing reference to equipment located where no signal is available, such as inside buildings or tunnels. By using optical fiber instead of traditional coaxial cable, extreme distances are possible with no radio frequency loss and zero introduction of noise.
The RELY-MIL-TIME-SERVER, which complies with MIL-STD-810G and MIL-STD-461G, embeds the latest timing, networking and security technology in a single SWaP platform. The all-in-one rugged edge computing device acts as a high-performance master clock and serves secure accurate timing distribution (PTP, NTP, GNSS). The timing feature is combined with high-bandwidth and high-availability Ethernet switching and L2/L3 cybersecurity services in a unique commercial-off-the-shelf device. At its heart is a Xilinx Ultrascale+ MPSoC device powered by SoC-e hardware IP cores for PTP and high-availability low-latency Ethernet networking.
The M-G370PDS0 inertial measurement unit (IMU) is equipped with a high-performance six-axis sensor. It has an angle random walk (short-term variation in output) of 0.03°/√h, which is half that of its predecessor, and can more accurately detect very slight changes in the attitude of equipment and systems, since they do not get lost in sensor noise. The small size, light weight and low power consumption will help customers make their own products smaller and lighter. It also maintains compatibility with earlier products (the M-G370/365/364/354), making performance upgrades easy.
The OSA 5400 SyncModule enables technology suppliers to integrate precise synchronization into their hardware. Its M.2 form factor can add timing capabilities to switches, routers, open compute servers and other IT devices. The SyncModule provides GNSS, precision time protocol (PTP) and network time protocol (NTP) engines as well as comprehensive PTP and GNSS monitoring and assurance functionality. It can enable assured sub-microsecond timing in public and private networks as well as critical infrastructure. Featuring multiple interface options for easy integration, the OSA 5400 SyncModule comes with an open API. It also can be managed by ADVA’s proven Ensemble Sync Director management system.
Running on Microsoft Windows, u-center 2 offers anyone working with 10th-generation (M10) u-blox GNSS technology a highly intuitive interface to configure GNSS products, evaluate their performance, improve the quality of their software, and experience the performance boost achieved using GNSS-related services. The software is the successor to the u-center GNSS evaluation software, which has been used by design engineers for almost two decades to develop GNSS receiver applications. Compatible with u-blox M10 GNSS technology, u-center 2 is designed to offer improved performance over its predecessor. New features in u-center 2 simplify configuration, evaluation and software development of GNSS-based solutions. It is free for download.
The MEA-1227-SM is a GNSS/L1 and L2 low-profile screw-mount antenna. It has high performance suitable for maintaining constant network connectivity. The MEA-1227-SM covers all GPS/GLO/BEI/ QZSS/Galileo/SBAS/L1L2 standard frequencies. It is designed for telematics systems, remote surveillance, asset tracking and any internet of things (IoT) system applications. This screw mount antenna is easy to install, with a low profile suitable for challenging installations. It has a IP67-rated housing and anti-rotation mounting.
The Cowboy e-bike solution provides riders with high-performance, real-time GNSS accuracy, enabling them to map their own paths and those of the cities in which they live. It uses smart road-companion applications to ensure riders get precise information, regardless of the route they travel. The positioning component uses Taoglas’ Accura GVLB258.A, a multi-band GNSS L1/L5, high-performance stacked patch antenna, in conjunction with u-blox’s SAM-M8Q GNSS positioning module. The combination allows for extremely low power and high accuracy. The solutions works with “micromobility” services offered by Cowboy, such as Easy Rider for theft detection, bike insurance and crash detection notifications.
Instant decimeter-level accuracy with automotive sensors
Photo: Profound Positioning
The Profound-IVT (instant vehicle tracking) provides cost-effective vehicle navigation. Based on a firmware library, and rapidly adaptable to any navigation platform, IVT combines precise point GNSS positioning (PPP), dead reckoning and radar technologies in an integrated solution to provide decimeter-level positioning accuracy plus orientation and velocity. IVT performs in tunnels, dense urban environments, multi-level highway junctions and parking garages. With errors <1% of distance travelled, resolution is extremely rapid. Base stations are not required and there are no operating range limitations. Applications include driver assistance, mobility and taxi, autonomous vehicles, geofencing, fleet tracking, insurance, driving and safety management, and connected driving.
Off-the-shelf map data through the HxGN Content Program
Photo: Hexagon
Metro HD city data is a new offering of ultra-high-resolution 2D and 3D digital twins of major cities. Metro HD expands the data stack to include high-definition true orthophotos, obliques, digital terrain models, lidar point clouds, 3D building models (LOD2), 3D meshes and land-use maps. Cities captured in 2021 include Munich, Cologne, Vienna, Milan, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Tokyo, Dallas, New York, Stuttgart and Frankfurt. More cities will be added in early 2022. The program uses a hybrid urban mapping sensor, the Leica CityMapper-2, that concurrently collects lidar and aerial imagery. The derived products, based on the strength of each subsystem, result in superior accuracy and temporal consistency across all three data dimensions.
Bad Elf LLC and Laser Tech are providing an integrated laser offset workflow for acquiring high-accuracy field data in GNSS-challenged environments. The new workflow integrates Bad Elf and LTI hardware in collaboration with ArcGIS technology from Esri. The Bad Elf Flex GNSS receiver connects to any LTI TruPulse rangefinder over a wired or Bluetooth connection to deliver high-accuracy location data to Esri ArcGIS Field Maps. Field workers can now efficiently complete position and height data collection in access-limited situations, saving time, money and effort. The Bad Elf app workflow runs on Android and iOS.
Geo-genie is a cloud-based collaborative and professional mapping and surveying platform enabling customization and creation of geocentric information systems. Teamed with Handheld’s Algiz RT8 rugged field tablet, it streamlines work and allows non-professionals to perform accurate geodetic mapping, guiding and monitoring of their data collection. The platform enables organizations to have an advanced, professional surveying and GIS platform with customized procedural workflows, management of user hierarchies, and integration with other organizational information systems. Geo-genie can connect with professional surveying equipment, such as GPS and total stations, and integrates data into a cloud-based central database with no restriction for specific data-collection hardware.
The wireless GNSS amplifier LogBuch+ increases the accuracy of location data with the cloud-based LogBuch application. The app enables voice-based digital mapping via a smartphone app, such as for the maintenance of trees. The compact device receives satellite signals on several radio frequencies, delivering significantly more precise data than a smartphone alone. Foresters can carry the GNSS amplifier in a pocket and digitally mark trees for felling using the LogBuch app.
The YellowScan Explorer lidar can be mounted on a light manned aircraft or helicopter, as well as a UAV platform such as the DJI M300. This versatility allows the end user to tackle a wide range of projects with the same unit. It uses an Applanix APX-20UAV GNSS/inertial solution and has a precision of 2.6 cm and an accuracy of 2.2 cm. Its high-power laser scanner can catch points up to 600 meters away. Flight operation speed is 5–35 m/s; it is capable of above-ground-level altitude up to 300 m. The low-weight unit (2.3 kg without battery) can be combined with YellowScan’s suite of software to extract and process point cloud data for surveying, forestry, environmental research, archaeology, industrial inspection, civil engineering and mining sectors.
The DJI Mavic 3 improves on its predecessor with better sensors, a dual-camera system, omnidirectional obstacle sensing, smarter flight modes and longer flight times. A powerful positioning algorithm improves hovering precision with signals from GPS, GLONASS and BeiDou satellites, enabling the drone to lock onto multiple satellite signals faster. The increased positioning precision also makes the drone less likely to drift in the air and more stable when shooting long exposures and time lapses. The Advanced Pilot Assistance System (APAS) 5.0 combines inputs from six fish-eye vision sensors and two wide-angle sensors to sense obstacles in all directions and plan safe flight routes.
Conduct missions, manage fleets and view video feeds
Photo: SkyGrid
SkyGrid’s autonomous remote UAV operations solution enables drone operators to remotely conduct missions, control flights, manage fleets and view live video feeds. Using artificial intelligence and airspace-related data feeds, SkyGrid enables safe remote operations, whether conducting routine inspections or generating optimal flight paths. Advanced route generation capabilities create the safest route for each drone based on the flight plan, environmental conditions, the vehicle’s performance, and the mission criteria with minimum on-site support required. SkyGrid Launch allows video feeds from drones to be consolidated to a remote central location, such as a ground station.
The Sicura EG-1100 is a heavy-lift, long endurance, single-rotor helicopter. Now in its third generation, the helicopter can haul 15 pounds. It cruises at 55 knots. The EG-1100 is available in both electric and gas engine configurations, with an endurance at 3.5 hours on gasoline and 1 hour on electric power. The new gas engine is the high-performing and efficient Skypower 110, tuned to the craft’s internally developed chassis and rotor blades. It offers stable performance in challenging environmental conditions, exceptionally stable flight and immediate flight response for image capture and lidar operations. Multiple payload sets can be carried in one flight.
The Spirit dual-rotor coaxial unmanned aerial system (UAS) is a versatile and durable system for mission-critical operations. Combined with a fully modular, plug-and-play payload design, the Spirit’s open architecture allows operators to easily add or upgrade software to unlock new operating capabilities without the need to design or develop a new aircraft. It has an all-weather airframe. With nearly 10 pounds available for batteries and payloads, Spirit sets the new standard for performance in its weight class. Setup is quick and easy, allowing for takeoff from any type of terrain. The highly streamlined all-weather airframe has a top speed of 60 miles per hour and can operate in high winds. Payloads and batteries can be mounted or stacked on the top or bottom point.
AgEagle will acquire senseFly, a Parrot Group subsidiary, for US$23 million.
AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. is a a provider of drones, sensors and software, and Parrot is a European drone company. Founded in 2009, senseFly develops and produces a proprietary line of eBee-branded, high performance, fixed wing drones for professional use.
The eBee Geo drone was introduced in March. (Photo: SenseFly)
The development positions AgEagle to provide a full-stack fixed-wing drone solution for agriculture, government, engineering and construction, among other industry verticals. SenseFly also brings to AgEagle solid engineering talent focused on advanced research and development, a well-established global reseller network, and a strong portfolio of intellectual property, AgEagle stated in a press release.
The eBee drones are designed to be safe, ultra-light and easy to use. They are in use by thousands of customers around the world in agriculture, government, engineering and construction to collect aerial data. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, senseFly employs 90 people, generating total annual revenues of US$12.5 million in 2020.
“Recognized as the producer of the world’s most widely used fixed wing drones, senseFly is an ideal strategic fit for AgEagle,” said Brandon Torres Declet, chief executive officer of AgEagle.
Moving forward, Parrot will focus its expertise and resources on the growth of its professional quadcopter drone equipment and drone data analysis software activities, according to Parrot founder and CEO Henri Seydoux. “The transaction will provide additional cash and lower operational expends to drive Parrot’s growth and industry standing,” Seydoux said. “With the capabilities of the ANAFI line of professional drones and of the Pix4D software suites, Parrot will continue to address its core market segments: 3D mapping, surveying and inspection, agriculture, and defense and security.”
In tandem with the closing of the acquisition, which is expected shortly, Labossiere will resign as CEO of senseFly. Michael O’Sullivan, who previously served as the company’s head of global marketing, will be appointed managing director of the new AgEagle subsidiary. All other senseFly employees will retain their current responsibilities.
For details relating to the terms and conditions of the acquisition, refer to the Form 8-K to be filed by AgEagle with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission upon closing of the transaction and accessible at www.sec.gov.
Wingcopter drones recently transported blood samples 26 kilometers (16 miles) between Greifswald and Wolgast, Germany. The flights were carried out by Greifswald University Medical Center in cooperation with DRF Luftrettung and Wingcopter as part of the MV|LIFE|DRONE Challenge (MVLD-Challenge) project of the hospital’s Department of Anesthesiology.
The project, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Energy, Infrastructure and Digitalization of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania, is a partnership between University Medical Center Greifswald and DRF Luftrettung. The goal of the project is to improve structures of regional emergency care by integrating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS, Unmanned Aerial Systems) into the rescue chain and into medical emergency transports.
The flights beyond the pilots’ visual line of sight (BVLOS) carried a pneumatic tube including 250 grams of blood samples. The Wingcopter completed the 26-kilometer route in an average of 18 minutes, nearly twice as fast as ground-based transport.
The use of Wingcopter drones could significantly speed up emergency medical care in rural areas and help save lives. In the event of a blood transfusion being necessary at short notice, for example, blood samples from Wolgast District Hospital must be transported to Greifswald University Hospital for analysis in order to determine the appropriate donor blood.
“With this project, we have demonstrated that we can also improve medical care and quality of life in rural areas in Germany,” said Ansgar Kadura, co-founder and CSO of Wingcopter. “With our new unmanned aerial vehicle, the Wingcopter 198, this can be carried out even more efficiently in the future. We look forward to continued collaboration with the project team at the Department of Anesthesiology as part of the MV|LIFE|DRONE Challenge and beyond.”
The Greifswald University Medical Center seeks to establish permanent flight connections between the medical center in Greifswald and hospitals in the surrounding area as soon as possible. Drones can also be used to support first responders on site by quickly transporting medications, transfusions or emergency medical equipment such as defibrillators to the scene of an accident.
The Association for Unmanned Vehicles Systems International (AUVSI) brings its annual conference, XPONENTIAL, to Atlanta, Aug. 16-19. The event invites industry changemakers and end users to experience new technology that is solving real world problems, from safety and defense, to energy and infrastructure, business, construction, health, and the environment. The convention features keynote speakers, panel presentations, educational programs, specialized workshops, networking opportunities, and an exhibitor hall featuring newly developed technology to preview.
“To support our community and these technologies as they continue to accelerate along the innovation curve, our theme this year is Assured Autonomy,” said Brian Wynne, President and CEO of AUVSI. “As an industry, we must work together to ensure these systems are created, deployed, marketed and regulated to create a virtuous cycle of trust, social benefit, and economic growth. You’ll see that focus throughout our programming on-site, as well as in the technologies and operational services on display from our exhibitors.”
XPONENTIAL typically attracts 8,000+ attendees each year, who attend 100+ educational sessions organized by tracks focused around technology, policy, and public acceptance. The Solutions Theatre features the top experts in their field sharing best practices, technical discoveries and announces the AUVSI XCELLENCE Award winners. The Startup XCELERATOR Pavillion serves as a hub for emerging technologies and early-stage companies providing a glimpse into the industry’s future. Meanwhile, the XPO Hall provides access to more than 450+ companies all showcasing the latest breakthroughs in drones, robotics, and other unmanned systems.
Europe’s EGNOS satnav system has been providing safety-of-life services for 10 years. EGNOS, the European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service, transmits signals from a duo of satellite transponders in geostationary orbit.
The satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) gives additional precision to U.S. GPS signals, delivering an average precision of 1.5 meters over European territory, as much as a 10-fold improvement over unaugmented signals. EGNOS also provides confirmation of GPS signal integrity through additional messaging identifying any residual errors.
While the EGNOS Open Service has been in general operation since 2009, EGNOS began its safety-of-life service in March 2011.
The European Space Agency (ESA) designed EGNOS as the European equivalent of the U.S. Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), working closely with the European air traffic management agency Eurocontrol. ESA then passed EGNOS to the European GNSS Agency (GSA) to run operationally.
Guiding airliners
EGNOS’s primary customer is aircraft. Without guidance from the ground, pilots using EGNOS can confidently descend in bad weather to 60 meters’ altitude before needing to make visual contact with the tarmac.
On March 17, 2011, France’s Pau Pyrénées Airport was the first airport to use EGNOS. Today, more than 385 airports and helipads and 60 airlines across Europe use EGNOS-based LPV-200 approaches (short for Localizer Performance with Vertical guidance – 200 feet). The EGNOS service requires no ground equipment, and replaces the radio guidance beamed upward by traditional CAT I instrument landing system (ILS) infrastructure with no decrease in performance.
As of March 2021, more than 385 airports and helipads and 60 airlines across Europe are using EGNOS-based LPV-200 approaches. (Image: ESA)
Serving drones
EGNOS is now being eyed as the enabler of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The GSA has supported numerous trials of drones equipped with EGNOS as well as Galileo through its EGNSS4RPAS project. Crewed aircraft are expected to be vastly outnumbered in our skies by all kinds of UAVs, employed for everything from weather and environmental monitoring to personalized delivery services.
U-Space is Europe’s program to integrate drones into the airspace. (Image: ESA)
The traditional person-based air traffic control model will need to evolve to accommodate such a shift, based on automated monitoring, traffic management and collision avoidance. In Europe, this highly automated version of air traffic control is termed U-space.
EGNOS’s safety-of-life service is essential to making this happen, moving from today’s situation — where drones are limited to specific air corridors and line-of-sight operations — to let them roam freely but safely in busy airspace and built-up areas.
“The whole idea behind EGNOS’s safety-of-life has been to render satellite navigation sufficiently reliable for any kind of use,” explained Didier Flament, who leads ESA’s EGNOS team. “After 10 years of faultless operations, new applications are becoming plain. Drone flight is one example. EGNOS is also being evaluated for train positioning as well as assisted and autonomous automobile driving.”
EGNOS, the next generation
ESA retains responsibility for the system’s evolution, and the middle of this decade should see the debut of its new generation, EGNOS v3.
“While the current system only works with single-frequency GPS signals, EGNOS v3 will operate on a multi-frequency, multi-constellation basis, able to augment all available satellite signals in both L1 and L5 bands, including Galileo,” Didier said. “The result will be far enhanced performance and reliability.
“In addition, we are working with developers of other SBAS around the globe to ensure they stay fully interoperable so for instance EGNOS-equipped aircraft can fly between continents on a seamless basis. Such interoperability, combined with the arrival of the other SBAS systems under development in other regions, will lead to a quasi-global worldwide safety-of-life service coverage in the year 2030.”
Operational and planned satellite-based augmentation systems (SBAS) around the globe. (Image: ESA)
Oxford Technical Solutions has released the xNAV650, the latest in its line of inertial navigation systems (INS), suitable for use on drones.
INS provide surveyors with absolute position, timing and inertial measurements (heading and pitch/roll) that they can integrate into their survey projects. The measurements, when combined with data from other devices (such as lidar sensors and cameras), can greatly enhance the surveying process, leading to a greater return on investment, according to the company.
The xNAV650 is OxTS’ smallest, lightest and most affordable INS to date. It combines 20 years of navigation experience with the latest micro-electromechanical (MEMS) inertial measurement unit (IMU) technology and survey-grade GNSS receivers.
UAV Guidance
The xNAV650 provides highly accurate and reliable measurements – even when payload size and weight are imperative to consider, including for use with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). It measures 77 x 63 x 24 mm and weighs 130 grams.
The xNAV650 INS is suitable for a wide range of UAV data-collection applications, including surveys of bridges, buildings, forests and rail; coastal monitoring; map creation and pipeline exploration.
OxTS’ partner Dronezone used the xNAV650 INS and a Velodyne VLP-16 lidar on a drone to conduct a scan of an aging bridge to look for structural and potential hazards from overgrown foliage.
By fusing the timing, position and inertial data from the INS with the raw data of the Velodyne VLP-16 (using OxTS’ lidar georeferencing software OxTS Georeferencer), the surveyor was able to produce a highly accurate 3D point cloud of the bridge. Fusing the position and inertial data from the xNAV650 INS with the Velodyne VLP-16 lidar data provides a high level of clarit, which can be seen in the foliage, electricity lines and side of the bridge.
The resulting point cloud has enabled the engineers to easily and accurately pinpoint areas of the bridge that need closer attention.
Side view point cloud of bridge. Data collected using and OxTS xNAV650 INS and Velodyne VLP-16 lidar. Data processed using OxTS Georeferencer. (Image: OxTS)
NAVsuite Software
Data from OxTS INS can be fused with the data from almost any lidar sensor. Using OxTS Georeferencer software, point clouds can be georeferences from lidar units specifically from Velodyne, Hesai and Ouster sensors. Work is underway to integrate new lidar sensors from an even wider range of manufacturers into OxTS Georeferencer – allowing OxTS INS users to build a full navigation solution where much of the integration work is already taken care of.
OxTS NAVsuite software is included with all OxTS INS. The full range of software tools allows users of OxTS’ devices to configure and post-process data with ease.
Other optional software features are also available, including Precision Time Protocol (PTP) and GX/IX tight-coupling technology. PTP allows for a much simpler lidar survey set-up over ethernet while simultaneously stamping out time-drift by utilizing the high-quality INS clock source – GNSS. GX/IX tight-coupling technology, OxTS’ own proprietary navigation engine, ensures that users of OxTS Inertial Navigation Systems receive the most accurate measurements possible even in tough GNSS conditions.
SimActive Inc., a developer of photogrammetry software, has integrated its Correlator3D product into lidar systems for drones developed by Lidar USA.
Possible configurations include two side-by-side cameras that allow matching the footprint of the lidar sensor, a particularly useful setup for corridor mapping.
SimActive’s Correlator3D software is used for automatically registering the imagery with the lidar data. Once a perfect alignment has been achieved, the point clouds are colorized using the photos.
“The ability to directly use lidar as control for adjusting image positions really is a unique feature,” said Jeff Fagerman, CEO at Lidar USA. “Correlator3D allows our clients to quickly combine lidar with data from multi-camera systems and produce high-quality outputs.”
Correlator3D software is a patented end-to-end photogrammetry solution for the generation of high-quality geospatial data from satellite and aerial imagery, including drones. Correlator3D performs aerial triangulation and produces dense digital surface models, digital terrain models, point clouds, orthomosaics, 3D models and vectorized 3D features.
Powered by GPU technology and multi-core CPUs, Correlator3D’s processing speed supports rapid production of large datasets.
Lidar USA, also known as Fagerman Technologies, is a family owned business just outside of Huntsville, Alabama. Lidar USA specializes in laser scanning, photogrammetry, instrumentation and all things geomatics.
NXP and Auterion join forces to enable next-generation secure drone fleets with automotive certified solutions, high-reliability networking, and a scalable and open software platform.
Working together, the companies aim to develop highly reliable and advanced hardware and software solutions deployable in an unmanned aerial vehicle.
With the development of regulations and the increasing number of autonomous systems in the field, the requirement for components and software that are certifiable and the ability to deploy intelligence on the edge is becoming more and more important.
NXP provides semiconductor components and expertise leading to certifiable electronics solutions, including computational horsepower, secure element for encryption and authentication, and high reliability automotive networking.
Auterion is offering the hardware reference design and Auterion Enterprise PX4, the software for the flight controller and the mission computer to make drone fleets safe and fully integrated into workflows. Auterion is the largest contributor to PX4 and builds its software platform on open standards, ensuring that enterprises have access to a managed and tested distribution of the open source technology.
The partnership addresses the needs of the unmanned aerial vehicles industry for compatible hardware and software solutions that will help drone manufactures bring state-of-the-art products to market. The aim is to ensure that manufacturers have a streamlined path to certification and are connected to existing workflows.
“This partnership will enable the mobile robotics community with the components meeting quality specifications needed to ensure functional safety and security in drones and rovers based on reliable long life industrial and automotive parts and reference designs,” said Iain Galloway, Drone Program Lead, Systems Innovation, NXP. “We have been participating in the open source PX4 community for several years now and with this close relationship with Auterion, and Auterion Enterprise PX4, we are excited to work together to ensure these vehicles are prepared to meet current and future regulations and standards governing modular safe drone architectures.”
“Safety is the number one priority in commercial drone operations. NXP’s leading position as a semiconductor provider for safety-critical automotive applications is the perfect pairing for Auterion’s enterprise-grade drone software platform,” said Lorenz Meier, co-founder and CEO, Auterion. “Together, we will be able to provide integrated hardware and software solutions to the drone industry that combine high-performance compute with safety-first engineering.”
NXP and Auterion will collaborate on the core hardware and software components of an autonomous system, this includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:
Developing the next generation Auterion Skynode avionics module reference design, based on the latest Pixhawk autopilot Reference Standards and on the NXP i.MX 8M Mini as a companion computer, and on future components in this family.
Integrating navigation modules incorporating NXP Ultra-Wideband (UWB), automotive MCU, NFC and authentication for precision landing applications.
Developing Battery Management System (BMS) solutions based on the latest Pixhawk Smart Battery Standards.
Developing Automotive CAN and CAN-FD node solutions supporting popular software protocols such as UAVCAN and MRCAN for mobile robotics peripherals.
Collaborate in the data cybersecurity and drone regulatory space to help shape and meet future regulations.
Both parties will continue to support the PX4 open source community and upstream PX4 development, in an effort to enable the whole industry.
Septentrio has unveiled the AsteRx-m2 Sx OEM board, which provides a GPS/GNSS receiver with always-on sub-decimeter accuracy without the need for additional correction service subscriptions.
With the AsteRx-m2 Sx, Septentrio is pioneering a novel approach to high-accuracy positioning. Its latest core GNSS technology is integrated with a sub-decimeter correction service enabling simple plug-and-play positioning solutions.
High-accuracy positioning is available directly out of the box as GNSS corrections are automatically streamed to the receiver. This significantly simplifies the receiver set-up process and eliminates the hassle of corrections service subscription and maintenance.
“This product marks a new step for GNSS technology towards convenience and ease-of-use,” said Danilo Sabbatini, product manager at Septentrio. “By integrating the correction service directly into the GNSS receiver, we are removing the hassle of positioning service set-up and maintenance from the user. This means faster set-up times for our customers and worry-free, always-on high-accuracy positioning throughout the receiver lifetime.”
The AsteRx-m2 Sx is an efficient positioning solution for small robots, aerial drones and automation applications. Its optimized size, weight and power (SWaP) means longer operation on a single battery charge and better value in the field, according to Septentrio.
Advanced anti-jamming technology AIM+ ensures robust and reliable operation in challenging environments, even in the presence of RF interference.
Septentrio is offering a free GNSS corrections webinar on July 8 at 5 p.m. CEST/ 8 p.m. PST.
SUGUS — a European Commission project to promote European GNSS services for the integration of drones into the airspace — is conducting an online survey of stakeholders.
SUGUS, the European Commission’s project for the development of European GNSS (Galileo and EGNOS) services for U-space, is carrying out a survey to identify, gather and understand stakeholders’ needs, and to improve user experience of E-GNSS in complex operations and built-up areas.
U-space is a set of new services and specific procedures designed to support safe, efficient and secure access to European airspace for large numbers of drones.
SUGUS members invite all the stakeholders to take part in the survey, including suppliers of U-space services, manufacturers of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) platforms and GNSS receivers, UAS pilots and operators, public bodies, authorities and organizations, and centers for UAS testing and training.
The survey will be available until May 15.
The survey results will be used as a valuable input to tailor the E-GNSS Service Provision layer to specific drone missions’ needs, allowing a better mitigation of risks in complex operations like BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) and UAM (urban air mobility), increasing safety and security.
Also, the points of view collected will help to define the requirements and then the implementation of a new E-GNSS-based API which will deliver live and forecast information about performance, coverage, alerts to users and more.
The API will be called upon by UTM service providers, UAS designers or UAS systems developers, and integrated in existing commercial solutions.
“The survey organized by SUGUS is a key element for E-GNSS Programs to capture user requirements of the drone community,” explained Miguel Aguilera, European Commission advisor. “The results will be used to enhance EGNOS and Galileo Service Provision targeting drone operations, increasing safety and security, and facilitating a swift and efficient deployment of U-space.”
SUGUS Project
SUGUS (Solution for E-GNSS U-Space Service) is a European Commission’s project to promote European GNSS services (EGNOS and Galileo) for the drone market and for the effective and safe integration of these aerial platforms in the airspace.
It is a European Union H2020 R&D project to be carried out by GMV (main contractor) with everis Aerospace, Defense and Security as co-leaders of a consortium also involving VVA Brussels, ESSP, FADA-CATEC and Unifly.
SUGUS will help to develop services geared towards the effective integration of drones into the airspace. A series of trials will be held to show the benefits of E-GNSS for drone operators, as well as its approval by aviation authorities.
Image: 4X-image iStock / Getty Images Plus / Getty Images
Nearly 4,000 waivers granted under Part 107; about 20 percent of waivers granted to organizations received by first responders
Almost four years after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established rules for the commercial operation of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), a new report by the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) found that nearly 4,000 operators across all 50 states have been granted waivers to go beyond current regulations.
First responders across the country received about 20 percent of all waivers granted to organizations (398), which demonstrates growing interest and need for public safety applications enabled by UAS, including search and rescue and firefighting at night.
Effective Aug. 29, 2016, the small UAS rule, also known as Part 107, created a uniform regulatory framework for UAS. Among the rule’s requirements, UAS must fly below 400 feet above ground level (AGL), within visual line of sight and during daylight hours.
Recognizing the need for the rule to be flexible to foster innovation, the FAA created a waiver process that allows for expanded types of operations, such as nighttime or beyond line of sight operations, with the approval of the agency.
AUVSI analyzed 3,946 of these waiver documents granted by the FAA since Part 107 went into effect. While the vast majority of waivers (3,636 or 92 percent) were granted to waive the requirement for flying only during the daytime to enable nighttime operations, the FAA has also granted waivers from other sections of the regulations to permit advanced operations, including:
Flights over people (112 waivers);
Operation in certain airspace (97 waivers);
Operating multiple UAS at the same time (55 waivers);
Visual line of sight operations (to enable beyond line of sight operations) (51 waivers).
Operators in all 50 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have received waivers. California leads the way with 451 waivers granted, followed by Texas (334), Florida (272) and New York (159). About 87 percent of all waivers were granted to small businesses with fewer than 10 employees and annual revenues of less than $1 million.
“Across the country, operators have demonstrated they are eager to harness the tremendous potential of expanded UAS operations,” said Brian Wynne, president and CEO of AUVSI. “Small businesses have been able to save time and money, and first responders and public safety agencies have used UAS technology to increasingly contribute to the greater good worldwide, supporting missions from disaster relief to humanitarian aid.”
Last month, AUVSI submitted its comments on the FAA’s Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for Remote Identification of UAS. In the comments, AUVSI urged the FAA to proceed concurrently with rulemaking that would allow for expanded operations rather than wait for a fully implemented remote ID rule to avoid unnecessary delays. The FAA says it hopes to issue a final rule before the end of the year.
In the interim, the FAA recently announced several initiatives to improve the waiver application process in response to a review last year of the waiver framework by a task group of the Drone Advisory Committee that was chaired by Wynne.
The FAA’s plans include expediting the waiver renewal application process, particularly in instances where there hasn’t been many changes since the original application; enabling quick administrative changes to previously granted waivers; providing more responsive feedback to applications that were not approved; streamlining the applications; implementing new regulations to obviate the need for waivers; and increasing transparency and accountability to provide support for waiver applications, disapprovals, and general UAS questions.
“The waivers that have been granted so far demonstrate that operators are safely able to conduct expanded operations, such as flights over people and beyond visual line of sight,” said Wynne. “While improvements to the waiver process are needed and welcomed, we urge the FAA to move forward rapidly with rulemakings that would enable these operations widely and provide the economic and societal benefits they offer.”
