Iris Automation has partnered with drone-powered logistics company Swoop Aero to offer Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) drone solutions to global clients looking to unlock urban flight applications or solve logistics challenges in remote and rural areas.
Swoop Aero has extensive experience deploying its proprietary drone logistics platform into networks capable of delivering essential supplies to urban, rural and remote areas globally. Its services have provided safe, sustainable transportation in regions where ground or traditional air access is impossible, too slow, or too expensive.
Iris Automation’s detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology, Casia, has been integrated into the Swoop Aero drone logistics infrastructure. Casia detects other aircraft and makes intelligent decisions about the threat they may pose to the drone. It then works seamlessly with the Swoop Aero system to trigger automated maneuvers to avoid collisions, as well as alerting the pilot in command of the mission.
The partnership enhances Swoop Aero’s ability to expand across global markets and support a broader range of customer missions by enabling the company to obtain complex operational approvals and certifications. The company has recently announced two projects utilising Casia – medical supply delivery operations with EBOS Healthcare in Australia, and collaboration on New Zealand’s Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) airspace integration trial program.
Swoop Aero has also recently unveiled Kite, a UAV designed with precision for urban flight and high-impact rural and remote operations. According to Swoop Aero, Kite will be the most advanced aircraft in its category to progress through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification program in the USA. Kite is the centerpiece of Swoop Aero’s full technology stack, including hardware, software, and supporting infrastructure. Kite will likewise support the integration of Iris Automation’s Casia detect-and-avoid technology as part of its suite of safety features available to meet operational and customer requirements.
Eric Peck, CEO and co-founder of Swoop Aero, commented: “With two leading drone innovators coming together we can drive the safe integration of autonomous aircraft into even more critical areas. A DAA solution is the last great challenge preventing complex operational approvals and certification in countries like Australia and the United States. This partnership showcases the innovation inherent in our platform, and our commitment to safety.”
Jon Damush, CEO of Iris Automation, said: “Swoop Aero is a great example of how commercial drone services are evolving, meeting numerous critical use cases around the world. We are seeing the leading players in the space make investments in safety, and Swoop is one of the firms leading the charge to ensure the safe and efficient integration of uncrewed aircraft into existing national airspaces around the world. Demand for these use cases is highest in regions with stringent air safety standards and avoiding mid-air collisions is the most important aspect of reducing air-risk. An innovator like Swoop Aero is doing the right things to safely introduce aerial services to deliver essential supplies to previously inaccessible areas and we are excited to partner with them on this mission.”
