Author - Pamela

08Jun

J8 Atlas XTR: a UGV for defense, disaster relief and rescue operations

ARGO’s Space, Robotics and Defense Division recently announced the release of the ARGO J8 Atlas XTR (Xtreme Terrain Robot). This UGV (Unmanned Ground Vehicle) is designed for defense, disaster relief missions and rescue operations. Today, UGVs are playing an increasingly important role in hazardous and extreme environment operations. ARGO developed the electric 8-wheeled amphibious, all-terrain mobile robot to help protect the lives of soldiers and keep humans out of harm’s way.  

J8 Atlas XTR

The J8 Atlas XTR features a customizable platform that can adapt to any mission-specific payload device or system. Its uses include navigating and monitoring unsafe areas without risking soldiers’ safety. Both the Canadian and U.S. Armed Forces have trialed the J8 Atlas XTR, with positive outcomes. The Atlas J8 XTR traverses difficult terrain in extreme weather conditions. It can carry payloads up to 600 kg (1,320 lbs.) on land and 300 kg (660 lbs.) on water. It is capable of operating in temperatures from -20C to +40C. Also, thanks to its fully electric drive system, it has a near silent noise signature. In addition, the J8 has a built in two speed transmission that results in a top speed in excess of 30km/h and a typical working speed of 0 – 10 km/h. Requiring minimal training and low maintenance, the J8 also features intuitive user-friendly controls. This allows operators to maneuver it via remote tele-operation or line-of-sight radio frequency (RF) with a rugged hand held controller.  

Remote operation functionality

Fully autonomous, the J8 is capable of self-navigating pre-defined missions in both GPS enabled and GPS denied environments. Furthermore, it has obstacle detection and avoidance. The vehicle’s unique ‘Follow Me’ mode allows wireless tethering to a leader and respond to their movements and direction with the mission route saved for autonomous execution. In March, ARGO received a $1 million contract for three ARGO Atlas J8 XTR. They are currently being tested by Defence Research and Development Canada, an agency of National Defence, at the Suffield Research in Alberta. The U.S. Army’s Rapid Equipping Force (REF) purchased several vehicles in recent months, testing them at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) in Butlerville, Indiana. The view is to ultimately deploy it in defense operations. “With the ARGO Atlas J8 XTR, militaries and defense contractors have a mission ready, cost-effective solution that can reduce exposure to threats for troops and minimize the manpower required for disaster response and rescue operations,” said Jason Scheib, ARGO Robotics & Defense Sales Manager. “UGVs such as the Atlas J8 have a huge potential within the next generation of defense operations. We look forward to working with customers to develop and deploy solutions that meet their needs.”  

About ARGO

Since 2008, ARGO’s Space, Robotics and Defense Division has developed more than 20 robotic rover platforms designed for the harshest terrains on earth, and in space. The company’s latest generation of J-class robots offers a new level of mobility. Applications include agricultural, industrial, security, and defense markets. Plus, any application where extreme mobility, personnel safety, security, and durability are required. ARGO XTR robots are a proven, affordable platform. Find out more about ARGO's line of UGVs at Unmanned Systems Source.
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05Jun

Minimizing the risk of chip-jammer interference for UAVs

Affordable, high-end drones coupled with easy-to-use mission-planning tools, created the perfect environment for drones to flourish. No longer the preserve of specialists, applications using drones have ventured into survey, inspection and volume analysis. The impact of drones is little short of revolutionary. But, in the air, the stakes are higher. When things go wrong, the consequences are invariably much more serious than for a ground-based application. One of the biggest threats to drone safety is GNSS interference. At the very least, disruptions to satellite signals can degrade position quality. When this occurs it causes fall-backs from high-precision RTK and PPP modes to less-precise modes. In the most extreme cases, interference can result in complete loss of signal tracking and positioning.  

Self interference

Other components installed on a UAV is often a significant source of interference. The restricted space often means that the GNSS antenna is in close proximity to other electrical and electronic systems. Figure 1 shows what happened to the GPS L1-band spectrum when a GoPro camera was installed on a quadcopter close to the GNSS antenna without sufficient shielding. The three peaks are exactly 24 MHz apart. This points to their being harmonics of a 24 MHz signal: the typical frequency for a MMC/SD logging interface. An AsteRx4 receiver, which includes the AIM+ system, was selected for this setup. As well as mitigating the effects of interference, AIM+ includes a spectrum plot to view the RF input from the antenna in both time and frequency domains. At the installation stage, the ability to view the RF spectrum is an invaluable tool for identifying the source of interference. Plus, it helps with determining the effectiveness of measures such as modifying the setup or adding shielding. For the quadcopter installation in this example, the loss of RTK was readily diagnosed. The problem was solved by placing the camera in a shielded case. All this while the quadcopter was still in the workshop.  

External sources of interference

GNSS receivers on-board UAVs can be particularly vulnerable to external sources of interference, be they intentional or not. In the sky, the signals from jammers can propagate over far longer distances than they would on land. In the case of UAV inspections of wind turbines for example, many countries encourage the construction of windmills next to roads. However, this situation increases the chance of interference from in-car chirp jammers. Though illegal, chirp devices are cheap and readily available on the internet. For example, an individual using a chirp jammer can drive around undetected by the GPS trackers on the vehicle. Car thieves can disable GPS anti-theft devices on stolen vehicles with chirp jammers.  

External interference: the effect of a chirp jammer on a UAV flight

Although transmitting with a power of around 10 mW, chirp jammers are powerful enough to knock out GNSS signals in a radius of several hundred meters on land. In the air, unhindered by trees, building or other obstacles, these jamming signals have a far greater reach. Thus, the UAV is much more vulnerable to interference. Figure 2 shows how a 10mW chirp jammer can knock out RTK positioning over more than 1 km in a high-end receiver. Even a low-end consumer-grade L1 receiver, being less accurate and thus less sensitive, loses stand-alone positioning over several hundred meters. With AIM+ activated, the AsteRx4 is able to maintain an RTK fix throughout the simulated flight. It also shows no degradation to its position variance.  

Solving chip-jammer interference on UAV systems

A comprehensive approach puts interference considerations at the forefront of receiver design and incorporates it into every stage of signal processing. In the case of the AsteRx4 and AsteRx-m2, the antenna signal is immediately digitized after analogue filtering and automatically cleansed of interference using multiple adaptive filtering stages. As each interfering signal has its own individual footprint, the ability to visualize the RF signal in both time and frequency domains allows drone users to identify sources of self-jamming and adapt their designs accordingly before the drone gets in the air. When it is in the air, AIM+ is able to mitigate jamming from external sources: a set of configurable notch filters are complemented by an adaptive wide-band filter capable of rejecting more complex types of interference such as that from chirp jammers, frequency-hopping signals from DME/TACAN devices as well as high-powered Inmarsat transmitters.   You can shop Septentrio's line of solutions at Unmanned Systems Source.  
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01Jun

PPK vs. RTK: When do you choose one over the other?

PPK vs. RTKUAS vendors targeting markets from commercial survey to agriculture are fielding systems with real-time kinematic GNSS (RTK) capability. In principle, RTK promises accuracies at the 1-3cm level. The main purpose is to minimize or eliminate the need for ground control points, thereby reducing cost. Altavian uses GNSS receivers upgradeable to RTK operation, but favors another approach for this level of accuracy: post-processed kinematic (PPK). There are a couple of reasons why:
  1. RTK requires a GNSS base station equipped with a transmitter with a reliable link to a fairly dynamic moving platform.
  2. The rover (on the UAS) itself requires a dedicated receiver for the corrections.
These primary reasons carry some further implications for the cost of deployment, especially when considered against PPK.  

PPK vs.RTK

RTK operations not only require a stationary base station, but it must be located at a known control point. Provided the base station is deployed for long enough periods of time, this is not too much of a problem. The base station’s precise location can be determined post-mission if no control points are already present. In this case, a global shift of the aircraft’s trajectory must be done once the position of the base station is determined, taking away some of the benefits of a ‘real-time’ solution. PPK requires a base station as well. But in many cases, at least in the Eastern US, the public CORS network may be dense enough to provide a base station reasonably close to your project. But, it’s likely you will need a base station of your own. This represents slightly less investment in an over-the-air link to the rover. However, it comes with the possibility of loss-of-lock.  

Losing Lock

In both RTK and PPK, when the rover loses lock, a new integer ambiguity resolution procedure must be initiated. The advantage of PPK is that the search can proceed from previous and future data relative to that instant. Additionally, forward and reverse solutions in PPK are optimally combined and give an estimate of a solution’s consistency. RTK solutions cannot use data that has not yet been recorded. If you want to eliminate ground control points and you chose an RTK system, there is no external information for basing accuracy estimates. Finally, it is worth noting that antennas light enough to be mounted on a small UAS are not geodetic-grade and are not likely calibrated for phase-center variation (PCV), let alone the actual location of the phase center. This means that you might get a reported solution accuracy of 2cm, but it could easily be very misleading. With a PPK solution, at least you can see if the forward and reverse solutions agree within certain bounds (and we acknowledge this is a very limited vote of confidence for any kinematic solution, but it’s better than nothing).  

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no replacement for real ground truth, especially if your data product must be certified to a specific level of accuracy. However, strategies to minimize the requirements on GCPs can vary widely in their effectiveness, depending on your needs. If positional accuracies of a few decimeters are acceptable, real-time L-band corrections through a subscription service such as TerraStar-D are very attractive alternatives that require no base stations at all. You can find and shop Altavian's line of solutions at Unmanned Systems Source.
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30May

Hemisphere introduces the Vector Eclipse H328 a low-power, high-precision, position and heading OEM board

Hemisphere GNSS recently announced the Vector Eclipse H328, the next offering in the company’s line of new and refreshed, low-power, high-precision, positioning and heading OEM boards. The multi-frequency, multi-GNSS H328 is an all signals receiver board. It includes Hemisphere’s new hardware platform and integrates Atlas GNSS Global Correction Service.  

New hardware platform, higher performance

Designed with this new hardware platform, the overall size, weight, and power consumption of the H328 are reduced. It offers true scalability with centimeter-level accuracy in either single-frequency mode or full performance multi-frequency, multi-GNSS, Atlas-capable mode that supports fast RTK initialization times over long distances. The H328 offers fast accuracy heading of better than 0.17° at 0.5m antenna separation and aiding gyroscope and tilt sensors for temporary GNSS outages. The 60mm x 100mm module with 24-pin and 16-pin headers is a drop-in upgrade for existing designs using this industry standard form factor. The technology platform enables simultaneous tracking of all satellite signals including: GPS, GLONASS P-code, BeiDou, Galileo, and QZSS. This simultaneous tracking makes it robust and reliable. The updated power management system efficiently governs the processor, memory, and ASIC making it ideal for multiple integration applications. The H328 offers flexible and reliable connectivity. It supports Serial, USB (On-The-Go with future firmware upgrade), CAN, Ethernet,and SPI for ease-of-use and integration. It also supports optional output rates of up to 50 Hz.  

Vector Eclipse H328 accuracy

Powered by the Athena GNSS engine, the H328 provides centimeter-level RTK. Athena excels in virtually every environment where high-accuracy GNSS receivers are used. Environments include: open-sky environments, under heavy canopy, and in geographic locations experiencing significant scintillation. Together with SureFix, Hemisphere’s advanced processor, the H328 delivers high-fidelity RTK quality information that results in high precision and reliability. Integrated L-band adds support for Atlas GNSS global corrections for meter to sub decimeter-level accuracy while Tracer technology helps maintain position during correction signal outages. The H328 also uses Hemisphere’s aRTK technology, powered by Atlas. This feature allows the H328 to operate with RTK accuracies when RTK corrections fail. If the H328 is Atlas-subscribed, it will continue to operate at the subscribed service level until RTK is restored. The H328 is designed for robotics, autonomous vehicles, antenna pointing, marine survey, machine control, and any application where high-accuracy positioning and heading is required.   You can shop Hemisphere's line of products at Unmanned Systems Source.
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24May

How drones are turning the tide on coastal monitoring

New and emerging technologies tend to enhance existing industries and services. In addition, emerging technologies also help create new industries and services. Unmanned aerial vehicles are one of the biggest trends due in part to their potential use across a range of service and industry applications. One such emerging application is coastline monitoring.  

Drones help fight the tide

There are many reasons why coastlines are under threat but climate change is widely seen as one of the biggest causes of beach erosion. A number of companies are starting to use drone technology for many coastal monitoring applications. The issue of protecting coastlines is a critical one in many countries across the globe. In the UK alone, over a million residential and commercial properties, as well as thousands of hectares in agricultural land lie within areas that are at the mercy of unpredictable changes. Undertaking coastal protection studies requires careful monitoring of any changes that occur. The most efficient solutions for arresting and reversing erosion of coastlines also requires an understanding of existing environmental factors and their effect on the affected beaches. Monitoring thousands of miles of coastline, though, is a tough ask especially in an era of dwindling financial resources. Effective solutions are gleaned through careful consideration of the above factors combined with any available historical knowledge and data. In effect, this is where emerging technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles come in.  

Coastal monitoring drones

Drones are quickly becoming an invaluable tool to both monitor and help maintain the health of coastlines around the world. UAVs provide many advantages for this application. One such advantage is a drone's ability to cover increasingly large distances in a single flight. Plus, when outfitted with the right equipment, drones can capture highly detailed images and footage. The data harvested on these mission can, in turn, help inform decision making. An additional advantage of using UAVs for coastline monitoring is the elimination of any human risk. For example, drones can quickly conduct an initial survey to assess damage after large storm events. UAVs can also monitor potentially dangerous situations, such as the stability of cliffs, from a safe distance. Additionally, UAVs can keep track of beach erosion by measuring land volume and capture changes in coastal vegetation states.  

Matching the drone to the environment

One company, QuestUAV, is demonstrating how new technologies can help tackle serious issues like environmental degradation. Their coastal monitoring work has helped local communities slowly reclaim lost beaches and coastlines. The harsh environment of the North Sea seemed a fitting place to test the feasibility and durability of drones for coastal monitoring. Wind speeds on the North-Eastern shores of the North Sea frequently reach up to 65 mph. Quest’s UAV platform features an airframe design with gimballed sensors and high spatial accuracy to ensure good data quality even in the difficult conditions. Plus, its use of Post Processing Kinematic (PPK) technology allows for detailed survey mapping. PPK technology allows the mapping of coastal areas with up to 2cm spatial accuracy without relying on Ground Control points. Given the difficulty in placing ground control points in landscapes such as coastal dunes and cliffs, PPK technology provides a faster and more economic way to achieve great results. Read about when and why our partner, Altavian, chooses to use PPK over RTK.  

Surveying remote and challenging environments

In addition to coastline monitoring, the company conducted geological rock and cliff surveys, monitored sea color changes, and inspected breakwaters. They've also monitored industrial applications based in remote environments such as mining sites and power stations. The company has kept track of the Northumberland Coast in the U.K. since 2008. In that time the area has suffered two major storms; one at the end of 2013 and another in the first month of 2017. In the aftermath of the most recent storms, QuestUAV deployed so as to immediately assess the damage. The information gathered is used in conjunction with historical data, satellite imagery and models created in 3-D to ensure an accurate compilation of current conditions.  

The future of coastal monitoring

Most experts agree that climate change is one of the biggest challenges to face mankind in recent memory. Beach erosion is one of the symptoms of the phenomenon. The use of drone technology can go a long way in the effort to help protect beaches and coasts around the world from being claimed by the sea.
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22May

Record-breaking long-distance delivery via drone

A record was recently set in long-distance delivery via drone. The record-breaking event took place May 5, 2017 and involved several key stakeholders. The Nevada UAS Consortium, dubbed Team Roadrunner, flew a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over 97 miles to Austin, Texas through use of cellular connectivity.  

Delivery via Drone

Launched from an urban location in central Texas, the UAV flew a pre-planned route through National Airspace System (NAS). Team Roadrunner used mobile command and control, a visual observer team, and stationary visual observers equipped with enhanced radios and cell phone communications which allowed the UAV to fly using a cellular communications link. The UAV successfully landed in Austin, Texas and delivered its package. Team Roadrunner consisted of the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site, Volans-i UAS, Latitude UAS, AUV Flight Services. The team also included ground and mobile visual observer support from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Worldwide campuses. “This was the most challenging, logistically-intensive, and longest package delivery demonstration recorded to date using cellular technology in the NAS. It allowed us the opportunity to demonstrate innovative capability – a demonstration necessity for the UAS industry,” said Dr. Chris Walach, Director of the FAA-designated Nevada UAS Test Site and Adjunct Assistant Professor, College of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. “Assembling a resilient team, being at the right place at the right time with the right technology and entrepreneurial perspective helped us accomplish this mission.” Walach continued, “Drone package delivery in an urban and remote environment is the wave of the future. Nevada is leading and helping grow this major commercial endeavor. These milestones prove that technology enables the safe integration of UAS into the NAS for long-distance and urban package deliveries.” Nevada previously conducted historic package delivery BLOS demonstrations in Hawthorne, Nevada at over 39 miles as well as the first publicly-recorded package delivery to a Reno, Nevada homeowner.  

Safety precautions along the route

The operation included layers of safety. Along the flight path, the team stationed visual observers as well as a mobile team to cover remote areas. “It is very exciting to be part of something truly ground breaking. Integration of students and alumni on similar projects with NIAS in the future extends our outreach to the industry,” said Dr. Scott Burgess, Associate Professor, College of Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. “Aviation has evolved much since the days of the Wright Brothers. I truly believe that unmanned systems are going to revolutionize the aviation industry and beyond. I am proud that Embry-Riddle faculty, students, and fellow Alumni are actively playing a part in this incredible journey,” said Kandi Windham, Campus Director, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, Houston, Texas. “This mission was extremely complicated. Ensuring that the UAS met all the performance characteristics was only one piece. We placed great emphasis on flight safety, airworthiness, communication, command and control, air and ground coordination, and VO logistics. The Volans-i, Latitude, AUV Flight Services, and the NIAS team worked extremely well together. Given the complexity and the ultimate success of the mission, it is clear to me that we couldn’t have picked a better team,” said Hannan Parvizian, Volans-i Founder.  

Future of drone delivery

“Creating a safe and thriving drone industry is an incredible challenge, especially when coupled with drone package delivery. The loss of communications during a long flight is a real concern. This mission showed cellular technology can ensure communication with a drone is not lost over a long-distance delivery. The record-breaking success of Team Roadrunner’s aerial package delivery mission proves that diligent testing in complex conditions will lead to drone delivery becoming reality,” said Steve Hill, Executive Director of the Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development. The Nevada UAS Test Site is one of seven Federal Aviation Administration-designated UAS Test Sites. The Nevada UAS Test Site in consultation with the Lone Star UAS Test Site helped plan the mission.
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