Ground Control is a leading developer of SATCOM (satellite communications) and cellular-based IoT solutions for drones and robotics. Our products simplify remote operations and enable UAVs and unmanned vehicles to operate anywhere in the world, allowing you to expand your reach and ensure always-on mission-critical connectivity for your remote assets.
The RockBLOCK 9603 provides OEMs and system integrators with a low-SWaP (size, weight and power) solution for integrating Iridium Short Burst Data capabilities into space-constrained UAV designs. Weighing just 36 grams with a footprint of 45 x 45 x 15mm, it can be easily integrated into a wide variety of platforms.
Based around the Iridium 9603N modem, the versatile device is ideal as a failover connection for BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) drones operating in areas where RF and cellular communications are unavailable. Short Burst Data is ideal for sending simple operational commands and receiving drone data such as position, altitude and speed. Airtime is available in two formats: a pay-as-you-go option and an annual contract option.
The RockBLOCK 9603 has been integrated into a pioneering drone delivery services used to ferry chemotherapy drugs and other medical supplies to hospitals on the Isle of Wight, UK – Read the case study!
More information: RockBLOCK 9603 SATCOM module
RockREMOTE
is a highly versatile dual Iridium Certus and LTE cellular connectivity solution designed for the most challenging of remote Industrial IoT applications. It provides IP or message-based communications for drones and unmanned systems located anywhere in the world, and can be interfaced with via Ethernet, Wi-Fi or serial RS232/485.
The device utilizes an omnidirectional antenna with no pointing required, and provides reliable data transfer in close to real time, even with suboptimal or changing views of the sky. An integrated hardware security module ensures that your data is secure while being transmitted over the network. RockREMOTE can be used to transmit data from multiple sensors such as cameras, and live video streaming capabilities will be added in the near future.
RockREMOTE is also available in an IP67-rated rugged variant that is designed to withstand the harshest outdoor environmental conditions, and is ideal for USVs (uncrewed surface vessels) and remote buoys.
More information: RockREMOTE Iridium & LTE solution
Cloudloop Data provides simplified and device-agnostic satellite IoT messaging capabilities, with automatic reformatting and decoding that enables you to save significant development time and effort. Supporting our RockBLOCK and RockREMOTE devices, the service provides full control and visibility of data sent to multiple destinations.
Designed with scalability and interoperability foremost in mind, Cloudloop Data provides multi-vendor platform integration for seamless compatibility with established cloud providers, IoT dashboards and delivery mechanisms. A wide variety of information is available through an intuitive control panel, allowing you to completely control the flow of data through any IoT system.
The Cloudloop interface is available as a simplified programmable API, enabling you to integrate the service within your own systems and applications.
More information: Cloudloop Data
Compatible with our Iridium Certus 100-enabled RockREMOTE, Cloudloop Device Manager provides easy remote troubleshooting and monitoring of connected assets such as drones and unmanned vehicles, allowing you to undertake essential maintenance and troubleshooting without needing to send an engineer into the field or recover systems from remote or challenging locations.
The secure cloud-based device management platform provides a wide range of functionality through its intuitive web interface, including real-time health status information, custom alerts and notifications, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, and viewing of subscription data.
More information: Cloudloop Device Manager
Searching Companies & Products
Subscribe to the Weekly eBrief
The latest engineering and technical developments straight to your inbox - join thousands of engineers who receive it.