Search Systems Ltd., a UAV manufacturer in the United Kingdom has developed a UAV-ROV crossover. The Mariner 600 is an unmanned multi-copter with aquatic landing capability and interchangeable aerial and marine camera views. Continue reading
UAVs to Combat Illegal Palm Oil in Malayasia
Cargill Inc., in an April update to its palm oil sustainability report, notes it is prepared to launch UAVs in Malaysia, the world’s second-biggest grower of oil palms. “Our project with unmanned aerial vehicles is moving into the operational phase. A Cargill team is set to start flight training in Malaysia. They will soon graduate as certified UAV pilots.
Royal Navy ScanEagles in the Mediterranean
Surveillance UAS launched from Royal Navy ships could be sent to scour the Mediterranean as part of Britain’s effort to combat the migrant crisis, under plans being drawn up by defence chiefs. Continue reading
Docking System for Mid-Air Recharging
New Zealand-born Daniel Wilson, a researcher at the University of Sydney’s Australian Centre for Field Robotics, has developed a method to allow UAVs to dock and recharge in mid-air, much like military jets do. He believes his team’s successful UAV docking in November last year was a world first.
Indago Quadcopter Helps Project Lifesaver International
To augment humanitarian search and rescue efforts, Lockheed Martin has announced it is teaming with Project Lifesaver International and Loen Engineering Inc., bringing advanced technology to first response agencies. The Indago small unmanned aerial system (UAS) will be integrated with an innovative lightweight antenna and receiver developed by Loen Engineering. The system allows Project Lifesaver agencies and first responders to rapidly locate special needs individuals who have wandered from their homes.
Arcturus Pitches Jump 20 for SOCOM RFP
California-based Arcturus UAV has unveiled a new iterative development of its Jump 20 vertical take-off and landing unmanned air vehicle that it intends to pitch for a major US Department of Defense requirement. Continue reading
UND Study to Automate Wind Turbine Inspections
University of North Dakota’s Technology Accelerator research center is conducting a two-year study to develop unmanned aircraft technology to automate inspections for the wind power industry and others, according to director Kevan Rusk. Continue reading
Skyward Raises $4M in Expansion Seed Capital
Skyward, the information management platform for commercial drone operators, announced a $4.1 million round with participation from Draper Associates, Founders CoOp, Moment Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, Techstars Ventures, Verizon Ventures, and Voyager Capital. This round will be used to expand the engineering and product development team.