Iris Automation, a San Francisco-based, venture-backed company, has made history by demonstrating the first long range, airborne sense and avoid system for industrial UAS as part of the FAA Pathfinder initiative. Although a dozen sense and avoid companies were invited, Iris Automation was the only airborne solution that participated.
Over the course of two days in rural Kansas, the Iris Automation Collision Avoidance System detected, classified, and tracked a Cessna 172 Skyhawk at ranges up to 1400 ft as it made numerous passes over the test field. The Iris Automation system was mounted on an airborne industrial multicopter, and operated in real-time without any reliance on a downlink or wireless connection. Using sophisticated computer vision algorithms, the Iris system packs long-range detection and avoidance capabilities into an ultra-low cost, size, weight, and power package for small industrial UAS.
“MITRE was pleased to conduct this field participation event for the FAA. Technologies like those demonstrated will enable the FAA to better understand the state-of-the-art capabilities for low-cost, non-cooperative sensing technologies and their potential in expanding sUAS operations.” – Matt DeGarmo, The MITRE Corporation task lead for the FAA Pathfinder low-cost sensor research.
In addition to showcases with the FAA, Iris Automation is busy working with notable drone companies through its Early Adopter Program to apply for true BVLOS waivers both in the USA and around the world. This work is helping to push the boundaries on UAS regulations and set precedent for the future of autonomous drone operations. Combined with a new satellite testing office in Reno, NV and the development of an in-house, 3D-modelled, photo realistic simulator, Iris Automation has been able to greatly expedite the rate at which their technology is being tested and validated.
“What we were able to demonstrate here shows just how close we are to safe and autonomous beyond-visual-line-of-sight industrial drone flights in the national airspace. With the state of readiness of the Iris Automation Collision Avoidance System, we are continuously building the necessary safety case for regulatory approval” – Alexander Harmsen, CEO Iris Automation.
Although the current Early Adopter Program is at capacity, Iris Automation will be inviting new companies to test their system in the coming months.
Source: Press Release