Robotics & Automation News

Market trends and business perspectives

drones

Drones expected to grow to $100 billion market as they take off in commercial and industrial sectors while delivery market beckons

by

Small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), more commonly referred to as drones, have been in the public eye for well over this decade and a hype cycle developed around its applications for the consumer and commercial space.

The high-profile failure of major drone manufacturers and software providers, such as US firm Airware in 2018, somewhat tempered initial enthusiasm, causing early projections from industry organizations such as the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) to look overly optimistic.

However, according to a new report from global tech market advisory, ABI Research, commercial drone usage, especially in the industrial space, will be a source of accelerating growth throughout the next decade with $101 billion in revenue being created annually by 2030 across the commercial, military, civil, and consumer sectors. [Read more…] about Drones expected to grow to $100 billion market as they take off in commercial and industrial sectors while delivery market beckons

Seat and Grupo Sesé launch a parts delivery service using drones

by

The Seat factory in Martorell is the first Spanish plant to receive components via drone delivery. In collaboration with Grupo Sesé, the Spanish carmaker has a pioneering service connecting Sesé’s logistics centre in Abrera with the Seat factory using drones.

The first parts delivery service between two production plants in Spain by drone will deliver steering wheels and airbags to the Seat assembly lines.

The pilot project is being carried out under the supervision of the Spanish Aviation Safety and Security Agency (AESA) and will go forward in an experimental phase with several flights per day.

[Read more…] about Seat and Grupo Sesé launch a parts delivery service using drones

Yamaha invests in drone tech startup Exyn

by

Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley, the strategic business development and investment arm of Yamaha Motor, has participated in the $16 million Series A funding round for Exyn Technologies, a developer of autonomous aerial robotics for GPS-denied environments.

The investment is one of the first out of the $100 million Yamaha Motor Exploratory Fund established in 2018 and activated this year. The Exyn investment reflects YMVSV’s interest in developing innovation in the aviation sector.

George Kellerman, CEO and managing director of YMVSV, says: “Advanced aerial autonomy technologies have broad impacts across industry sectors, making Exyn Technologies a very attractive exploratory investment for us. [Read more…] about Yamaha invests in drone tech startup Exyn

DJI uses Ubuntu in drone computer

by

Ubuntu, the most popular Linux operating system for the Internet of Things, is now available on the Manifold 2, a high-performance embedded computer offered by drone manufacturer, DJI.

The Manifold 2 is designed to fit onto DJI’s drone platforms via the onboard SDK and enables developers to transform aerial platforms into truly smarter drones, performing complex computing tasks and advanced image processing, which in-turn creates rapid flexibility for enterprise usage.

As part of the offering, the Manifold 2 is planning to feature snaps. Snaps are containerised software packages, designed to work perfectly across cloud, desktop, and IoT devices – with this the first instance of the technology’s availability on drones.

[Read more…] about DJI uses Ubuntu in drone computer

DJI creates high-security solution for government drone programs

by

DJI, a leader in civilian drones and aerial imaging technology, is introducing DJI Government Edition, a new comprehensive drone solution created specifically for use in high-security situations by government agencies around the world.

Government Edition’s architecture ensures that drone data – including photos and videos captured during flight – never leave the drone and therefore can never be shared with unauthorised parties including DJI.

This architecture ensures Government Edition meets the stringent requirements of the government sector for data management, risk mitigation, and enterprise-level data sharing control.

[Read more…] about DJI creates high-security solution for government drone programs

UPS Foundation supports Ghana’s vaccine drone delivery network

by

The UPS Foundation, which leads the global citizenship programs for UPS, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, have announced support for the expansion of a medical drone network into Ghana.

Zipline, a California-based automated logistics company, will use drones to make on-demand, emergency deliveries of 148 high priority products including emergency and routine vaccines, blood products and life-saving medications.

The service will operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from four distribution centres – each equipped with 30 drones – and deliver to over 2,000 health facilities serving 12 million people across the country.

[Read more…] about UPS Foundation supports Ghana’s vaccine drone delivery network

MHPS to use drones for inspecting power plant boilers

by

Mitsubishi Hitachi Power Systems, Ltd. (MHPS) is putting unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into practical service to more easily and efficiently inspect the interiors of power plant boilers and other large indoor structures.

Demonstration testing for manually operated drones was completed last year, and MHPS plans to begin offering the inspection service from April 2019.

MHPS is also pursuing development of autonomous UAVs, together with research and development firm A.L.I. Technologies Inc.

[Read more…] about MHPS to use drones for inspecting power plant boilers

Airbus’ Skyways drone trials world’s first shore-to-ship deliveries

by

Airbus has begun shore-to-ship trials in Singapore with its Skyways parcel delivery drone.

This marks the first time drone technology has been deployed in real port conditions to deliver a variety of small, time-critical maritime essentials to working vessels at anchorage.

The maiden shore-to-ship delivery flight was made to the Swire Pacific Offshore’s Anchor Handling Tug Supply vessel M/V Pacific Centurion, 1.5 km from the shoreline of Singapore’s Marina South Pier, carrying 1.5 kg of 3D printed consumables.

[Read more…] about Airbus’ Skyways drone trials world’s first shore-to-ship deliveries

Flir Systems acquires Aeryon Labs

by

Flir Systems, Inc. has acquired Aeryon Labs Inc., a developer of high-performance unmanned aerial systems (UAS) for the global military, public safety, and critical infrastructure markets, for $200 million.

Aeryon’s vertical takeoff and landing quad-copter airframes integrate multiple sensors, including Flir thermal technology, to provide users with immediate high-resolution intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

Based in Waterloo, Canada, and with offices in Denver and Salt Lake City, Aeryon Labs was founded in 2007 and is a designer and manufacturer of mission-focused Group 1 UAS solutions built around aircraft under 20 pounds.

[Read more…] about Flir Systems acquires Aeryon Labs

What do drones, quidditch, and augmented reality all have in common?

by

Today, drones dominate the news, from making speedy burrito deliveries, transporting orders to your doorstep, or aiding in natural disasters.

Now, Virginia Tech researchers are exploring applications for unmanned aircraft systems to assist in safer and more effective inspection of civil infrastructure.

The use of drones for this type of assessment has the potential to make the inspection process quicker and more efficient, thus enhancing public safety in the US and around the world.  [Read more…] about What do drones, quidditch, and augmented reality all have in common?