New remote-sensing system maps Antarctic vegetation

Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers have developed an advanced remote sensing method for accurately detecting and mapping Antarctica’s delicate moss and lichen growth, the mainstays of the continent’s fragile ecosystems.

The research team also developed a way to survey Antarctica’s vegetation that is non invasive and will enable accurate surveys more quickly and cheaply than before.

First author and research fellow Dr Juan Sandino from QUT’s School of Electrical Engineering & Robotics described mosses and lichens as the green “stress barometers” of Antarctica.

Dr Sandino said the researchers flew a UAV (Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle) mounted hyperspectral camera, which records hundreds of colours for every pixel, combined with Global Navigation Satellite System Real-Time Kinematic (GNSS-RTK) to precisely anchor every pixel to its exact location. High-resolution RGB UAV imagery was also captured to provide a familiar visual context.

The researchers compared 12 different AI models for labelling the vegetation and the best options reached about 99 per cent accuracy while staying consistent in rigorous tests.

The research is part of the $36 million ARC-funded Securing Antarctica’s Environmental Future (SAEF) program through a dedicated six year, $1.8million project, and is codirected by Professor Felipe Gonzalez and Professor Barbara Bollard from the University of Wollongong. www.qut.edu.au

Developing neo magnets for drones

ePropelled, Inc. has signed a joint development agreement (JDA) with USA Rare Earth, Inc. (USAR) to develop a strategic supply and purchase relationship providing sintered neo magnets for use in ePropelled’s state-of-the-art motors, which are used in a multitude of uncrewed air, land, and sea vehicles (commonly referred to as drones).

Sintered magnet technology, specifically developed for high-performance permanent magnets, involves precision processing of rare earth alloys to deliver unmatched magnetic strength and stability. USAR will immediately begin prototyping neo magnets for use in ePropelled’s high-performance motors, controllers, generators, and power management systems from its Oklahoma manufacturing plant. ePropelled.com.

GöKHUN tactical UAS designed for land and sea missions

The GöKHUN unmanned aerial system (UAS) from Turkish company ESEN is a tactical vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drone system that does not require a runway, offering maximum flexibility in operational use. It combines the compact mobility of a NATO Class I UAV with the performance data of a Class II tactical system. www.esensi.com.tr

Exail to deliver 100 navigation systems for U.S. defense UUVs

Exail has signed a contract to supply 100 Phins compact inertial navigation systems (INS) to a U.S.-based global defense company for use in unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The Phins Compact INS is designed to provide precise navigation capabilities in challenging environments, remaining functional even when external signals are disrupted. The system’s compact design enables rapid integration into UUVs, allowing for flexible and efficient mission operations in dynamic maritime settings. www.exail.com