Smart Sourcing for Unmanned Systems
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Explore UST’s round-up of our five most read articles in the industry this week, including new technologies, collaborations, white papers, and industry successes.
1. Q&A: Enhancing Unmanned Systems with BotBlox Ethernet Technology
BotBlox is a leading developer of rugged and ultra-compact network infrastructure for drones and robotics. With a focus on Ethernet technology, the company provides highly SWaP (size, weight, and power) optimized network components that deliver faster data rates in as compact a form factor as possible, and are designed to be embedded directly into unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), unmanned ground vehicles UGVs, and other robotic systems.
The company’s Standard Series of OEM boards utilize industrial-grade components with high-quality manufacturing to create some of the market’s smallest Ethernet solutions, ideal for a wide range of commercial drone and robotics designs operating in temperatures of up to 80°C. In this exclusive Q&A, Josh Elijah, BotBlox Founder and CEO, shares insights into the company’s Ethernet technology and its impact on the unmanned systems industry.
2. Sending RTK Base Corrections to ArduPilot with Mission Planner & QGroundControl
ArduSimple explains how to set up MissionPlanner and QGroundControl for transmitting RTK base station corrections to an autopilot for drones and robotics. The steps have been validated with simpleRTK2B, simpleRTK2Blite, and simpleRTK3B GNSS receivers. For those interested in using an NTRIP service, a separate tutorial is available.
QGroundControl automatically detects both the simpleRTK2B and simpleRTK3B boards (but not the simpleRTK2Blite) when connected via USB to the same computer running QGroundControl. It auto-configures the receiver and begins sending corrections to the GNSS receiver on the Autopilot.
3. Real-Time Video Streaming Integration
Sense Aeronautics has expanded its innovative approach to real-time drone video analytics by integrating its advanced software with DJI’s FlightHub 2 platform.
This development enables seamless real-time video analytics in the cloud, enhancing drone-based operations with a plug-and-play solution. Building on its earlier success with DJI Livestream, Sense Aeronautics leverages the FlightHub Sync API to bring new capabilities to operators seeking centralized control and analytics in diverse applications.
4. Automating Offshore Inspection Tasks with Portable DVR Laptops
In the demanding world of underwater inspections and offshore surveys, SubC Imaging acknowledges that success hinges on having the right tools. Equipment must be portable, efficient, and robust enough to endure harsh conditions.
Portable DVR laptops are proving to be an indispensable solution, combining advanced media recording and data management capabilities with the convenience of mobility. For professionals in remote or offshore environments, these devices eliminate many of the challenges associated with traditional systems.
5. Sagetech’s MXS MODE 5 Transponder: Enhance Safety and Situational Awareness
Sagetech Avionics highlights the advantages and impact of integrating the MXS Transponder into aviation programs, particularly for both crewed and uncrewed aircraft operations. As aviation technology evolves, the demand for efficient communication and identification systems increases. The Sagetech Avionics MXS MODE 5 Transponder offers a compact, low-SWAP solution to meet these challenges.
Meeting size, weight, and power (SWAP) requirements with cost-effective and efficient transponders is crucial for air missions with increased payload. Many certified transponders available today are costly, heavy, and power-consuming. To improve mission effectiveness while reducing operational expenses and ensuring safety, a certified low SWAP solution is essential.
