Category Archives: Non-Military & Commercial UAS

Drones Boost Grid Reliability with Faster Inspection of 400 Miles of Power Lines

Consumers Energy has expanded its use of drone technology across the electric grid by doubling its fleet in the past 2 years reinforcing its commitment to delivering reliable, safe and affordable service. By enhancing inspection speed and accessibility, drones enable the early detection and resolution of potential issues—particularly in areas where traditional inspections are difficult—helping to prevent service disruptions and improve customer experience. Continue reading

Frontex Deploys Shield AI’s V-BAT Drone to Secure Borders in Eastern Europe

Shield AI, the deep-tech company building state-of-the-art autonomy software products and aircraft, announced that its V-BAT unmanned aircraft system (UAS) has been operational in Europe since early June under a contract with Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, and in partnership with Global Sat Tech, to provide a comprehensive border management solution. Continue reading

Teaching Drones to Fly Through Air Ducts

A new article published in npj Robotics addresses the challenge of flying small quadcopters in ventilation ducts with a maximum diameter of 35 cm. This research, conducted by a team of researchers from Inria, CNRS, the University of Lorraine, and Aix-Marseille University, opens up a new field of possibilities relating to the accessibility and inspection of confined environments. Continue reading

Antigravity – Integrated 360 Filming

Insta360, a global supplier of 360 imaging and AI-powered content creation, has announced the launch of Antigravity, a new and independent drone brand incubated by Insta360 in collaboration with third parties. Antigravity redefines aerial exploration with intuitive controls, immersive 360 capture, and a design philosophy focused on creativity and ease of use. Continue reading

Hyundai’s IONIQ 9 Seed Ball Drone Station to Advance Forest Restoration in Wildfire-Damaged Areas

Hyundai Motor Company has completed the development of the IONIQ 9-based Seed Ball Drone Station to support forest restoration projects in Korea, following the launch of the IONIQ 5 Monitoring Drone Station in 2023. The new project will begin in Uljin, a region on Korea’s East Coast that was severely affected by widespread wildfires in 2022. Continue reading