UAV

NYPA receives FAA waiver for automated drone operations

The New York Power Authority (NYPA) has received its first federal approval to fly unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) or drones beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the pilot in command. In a significant step forward, this Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) waiver enables NYPA to conduct fully remote drone operations such as asset and vegetative management inspections at its Blenheim-Gilboa Pumped Storage Power Project in Schoharie County. NYPA’s growing drone program supports its industry-leading asset management strategies and is part of an Authority-wide digitization initiative to modernize grid infrastructure to advance the efficient delivery of clean power statewide. www.nypa.gov

XAG and Chia Tai to launch agricultural drones in Thailand

XAG has teamed up with FarmInno (Thailand) by Chia Tai Group, Thailand’s agricultural company, to introduce fully autonomous agricultural drones in Thailand. This takes smart agriculture to the next level aiming to scale up the potential of Thai farmers with advanced technology and increase both productivity and quality in the agricultural sector. The drones are fully autonomous and powered by AI, making them highly efficient in terms of spreading and precision spraying. www.xa.com

New partnership on drone cell tower inspection

Optelos, the supplier of visual data management and analysis software for cell tower inspection applications and Pathwave, the provider of safety and job closeout software for telecom crews, announced the technology partnership. The partnership will allow carriers, asset owners and contractors to combine the latest drone data captures and digital twins with safety compliance and closeout data to automate and better document the complete tower inspection process. https://optelos.com

DroneUp partners with McMillon Innovation Studio

The McMillon Innovation Studio has partnered with DroneUp, LLC to evaluate opportunities to expand DroneUp’s operations, including on college campuses. It offers an opportunity for student design and product teams to develop human-centered design solutions to problem statements that have social impacts. The studio serves students across campus and a variety of other industry partners.

The Studio will collaborate with DroneUp on a design team project focused on campus safety and security. The design team will coordinate with key stakeholders on campus to discuss possibilities that could become innovative solutions to real-world problems, and they will also evaluate legal and policy aspects around privacy and safety. https://news.uark.edu

Drone automation and public safety

Skyfire Consulting have announced its strategic partnership with VOTIX — maker of pioneering drone automation. This strategic partnership will allow VOTIX to leverage Skyfire’s decade of experience within public safety and to provide agencies a smoother path towards starting and operating Drone First Responder (DFR) programs. https://votix.com

D-Fend Solutions and Securiton partnership

D-Fend Solutions and Securiton Germany, a system provider, integrator and specialist in security systems, have signed a partnership agreement. Through this partnership, D-Fend Solutions will provide the EnforceAir system, its market-leading flagship technology, for which it carries out research, development, and innovation. D-FendSolutions.com

Rohde & Schwarz launches drone based analyzer

Rohde & Schwarz will launch its R&S EVSD1000 VHF/UHF nav/ drone analyzer. The analyzer provides accurate and efficient drone inspection of terrestrial navigation and communications systems along with outstanding accuracy and the measurement repeatability customers need.

The analyzer is a signal level and modulation analyzer for medium-sized drones. It is the only instrument that combines measurements of instrument landing systems (ILS), ground-based augmentation systems (GBAS) and VHF omnirange (VOR) ground stations in a single box. The mechanical and electrical design is optimized for drone-based, real-time measurements of terrestrial navigation systems with up to 100 measurement data sets per second. www.rohde-schwarz.com

BRINC to release LEMUR 2 drone

BRINC, an American developer and manufacturer of technology in the service of public safety, has announced the release of its next-generation drone, LEMUR 2, which is the latest product from BRINC and is specially designed to enable law enforcement and public safety professionals to survey areas too dangerous to send a person, assess a threat profile, and de-escalate conflict without putting individuals in harm’s way. www.dronenerds.com

Hackerwatches launches HackerMini Drone

Hackerwatches has launched the HackerMini Drone. It is packed with advanced features to enhance the aerial experience for both beginners and professionals. It is a powerful mini drone that can capture 4K HD video and snap photos with the simple gesture of your hand. The drone ensures smooth and stable flights, allowing you to focus on capturing the perfect shot. www.hackerwatches.com