Ascend Engineering has introduced ACO (Ascend Collision Overwatch), a soon to be licensable collision prevention software that enables safer autonomous drone operations through autonomous obstacle detection and collision prevention.
The software automatically stops an aircraft before impact and alerts operators when manual intervention is required.
The loss of assets due to user error can be extremely costly. ACO adds a critical safety layer to drone operations seeking to run Beyond the Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) of the operator by leveraging LiDAR and onboard compute to stop collisions before they occur. ACO uses a velocity-based collision system that dynamically adjusts detection zones based on drone speed and direction. The system is user configurable and can be tailored to drone platforms of varied shapes, sizes, and capabilities.
Core Capabilities
- Directional awareness: System considers only obstacles in the flight path
- Configurable parameters: Operators adjust detection distances and stopping zones via config files
- Robust detection: Successfully identifies trees, walls, and buildings
- Background operation: Runs automatically after installation with no user intervention
Hardware Requirements
ACO software runs on ModalAI VOXL 2 companion computers and requires a LightWare SF45 rotating LiDAR sensor. The SF45 provides configurable scanning up to 320 degrees with reliable distance measurements up to 50m. This hardware and software combination delivers a cost-effective and elegant solution when compared to market alternatives. Installation is streamlined, with a simple package install on your VOXL 2 being all that is required.
Validation and Testing
ACO underwent extensive field testing across multiple obstacle scenarios. Validation included detection of tree lines, individual trees, bushes, walls, containers, and buildings. The software has proven reliable and safe, and Ascend is initiating the trial program as the final step before a wide commercial release.
ACO is currently available for trial and beta testing with select commercial partners. Companies interested in evaluating the technology can contact Ascend Engineering directly. Full license will follow after the beta program’s completion.
