USS News

10Jul

Drones as Entertainment: what’s ahead for this emerging application?

From surveying and mapping to search and rescue efforts, drone technology is disrupting a host of industries. It begs the question: Is the entertainment industry next? Large companies, such as Intel and Disney, have moved beyond drone entertainment as possibility...to reality. Drone racing and aerial acrobatic displays may be some of the earliest forms of drone entertainment. However, with Intel and Disney entering the fray, the entertainment bar may be rising -- literally. In 2016, the companies revealed plans for a unique collaboration of a drone-based light show.  

A flying light show...the beginnings

As one of the biggest tech companies in the world, it may come as no surprise that Intel developed its own UAV several years ago, dubbed the "Shooting Star". The frame of the Shooting Star is very lightweight due to its Styrofoam and plastic construction. And, most significantly, each drone is outfitted with LED lights which can produce billions of color combinations. This light versatility means the drones can create any number of images and displays; it makes them far more versatile than traditional fireworks. Prior to the collaboration with Disney Resorts, Intel showcased its drones in a private light in Krailling, Germany. The show featured over 500 drones in the air at the same time. It was Intel Corp’s proof of concept and its entrance into the burgeoning drone entertainment market. Then came its collaboration with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The two companies worked together to create a spectacular light-show for the 2016 holidays. Entitled “Starbright Holidays – An Intel Collaboration”, the show took place at the Florida Resort location and was the public debut of Intel's Shoot Star Drones. The display featured everything from simulations of fireworks to the creation of holiday themed images like Christmas trees and snowflakes. Both companies claimed it was the biggest such display of its kind in the United States.  

Drones: a cheaper way to entertain?

Drone-based entertainment may prove a cheaper and more exciting option once the initial outlay of required hardware and software is invested. Traditional firework displays cost about $10,000 for a small town show. And for larger events, such as Macy's Fourth of July show, the costs can soar to the millions of dollars. Drone-based light displays provide a range of practical use cases including control by a single computer which cuts down on the manpower required to put on such a show. Another advantage is that, unlike firework displays, drones can be re-used over and over again.  

Successful innovations multiply

As with any burgeoning innovation, drones as entertainment may also help research and development in other areas. Though there are numerous companies working to develop new technologies, it helps when such a large company like Intel puts their resources behind funding such ground-breaking features. Eventually, such innovative advances also make their way to consumer grade drones once the technology becomes more affordable. For example, in the past Intel manually pre-programmed each individual drone before it took to the skies. And when pre-programming involves hundreds of drones for just one show, it is simply not practical. In order to address this inefficiency, Intel developed a software program and an algorithm that automatically determines each drones’ planned flight path. The potential for this innovative software program and algorithm to benefit other drone applications, such as aerial photography, mapping or survey projects, is obvious.  

Just the beginning?

Currently, Intel’s Shooting Star drone is not available for sale to the public. Intel does manufacture a commercial drone, the Falcon 8+, but the company may be keeping its shooting star drones to itself for now. Only time will tell if shows like Intel and Disney’s UAV light show will gain momentum. However, it’s clear that particular event caused quite a stir. It is evident that unmanned aerial systems are becoming ever more versatile and for drones as entertainment this is just the beginning.
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05Jul

PV Solar Panel Field Inspection with UgCS Mission Planning Software

Solar panel fields, like any other artificial infrastructure objects, require periodical inspections. Usually photovoltaic (PV) solar panel field inspection requires use of two sensors - infrared (IR) and daylight cameras, to detect faulty panels. Solar panels may heat up because of connection issues, physical damage or debris. A drone equipped with a thermal camera is the best choice for solar panel field inspection. This method saves costs compared to manned aviation and saves time compared to visual control with handheld IR camera. Semi-professional drones with changeable cameras like DJI Inspire are an option. However, switching out cameras means flight time is doubled. The first is a survey flight conducted with a daylight camera. The flight is then repeated after changing to an IR camera. To minimize time required for inspection usually both sensors (cameras) are used simultaneously. Such a payload requires a drone with enough lift-off capability.  

Detectable defects

The two major defects visible with IR camera are connection issues and physical damage. Connection issues occur, for example, when a panel or a string of panels are not connected to the system. As a result, power produced from the panel(s) cannot flow through the system and on to the grid. That power is converted to heat and the entire panel(s) will heat up slightly.
Figure 1
For example, (see Figure 1) the panel marked Bx7 presents little bit higher average temperature comparing to other panels and should be checked for both - defects and connection issues. Another detectable defect is physical damage to the underlying panel. This causes small areas of more extreme heating as power flows around and backs up behind the damaged area. Such defects are visible on sample - bright point in rectangle marked Bx3 with maximum temperature 169.4 F (76.3 C). Also, physical damages are visible in other zones. Both kind of defects usually are clearly visible on images in IR spectrum what makes defects localisation relatively easy even on stitched orthophoto.  
Figure 2
In visible spectrum, (using daylight camera) usually only debris on panels is detected. This information, though, helps determine if the hotspot is the actual panel heating up or if it is the debris (dirt, bird droppings, etc) heating up.
Figure 3
Glass breaks are usually not detectable unless drone will fly very low as the cracks are small. Only in case of severe damage situations glass breaks will be visible on photos.  

Solar Panel Field Inspection Mission Planning in UgCS

In general, solar panel field inspection missions with drones are planned the same way as standard UAV photogrammetry missions. The survey area is set and the route and camera settings are optimized to obtain the best result for data processing.
Figure 4

GSD selection

For photogrammetry, mission ground sampling distance (GSD) is defined by client and it is the main characteristic of survey’s output data. In case of solar panel inspection client has to define which defects have to be detected. To detect panels with connection issues GSD for IR images should be set 25 cm. To detect physical damage or hotspots smaller than whole panel the GSD should be set from 5-16 cm. For survey missions, when a drone carries IR and daylight cameras simultaneously, the GSD for daylight camera isn’t relevant. This is because it produces pictures with much better GSD than IR sensor because of the low resolution of thermal cameras. For example, an optical camera with a 16 mm lens to match the 7.5 mm FLIR lens will produce images with 1.3GSD while the FLIR images are at 15.7GSD. For solar panel survey missions, when a drone with changeable cameras is used set GSD > 2 cm - this will enable to detect even small debris on panels but will not produce thousands of images from flight.  

Camera position

Mostly camera are set to nadir position. In situations where a tracker system can't be positioned at a set angle or for some fixed array sites – based on the time of the day and sun position oblique setup can be used. Optimal angle of solar panels for thermal images is from 5 to 30 degrees to avoid reflection and inaccurate temperatures. If such images can’t be acquired with nadir camera position, the camera angle has to be adjusted to ensure pictures of panels in range from 5 to 30 degree angle.  

Data processing

Standard image data processing techniques can be used to stitch photos taken with daylight and IR cameras.
Figure 5
Orthophoto maps of relatively small solar panel fields can be analysed manually with different zoom level. To enable rapid evaluation for large fields with millions of panels automated defect detection should be used. Defected panels are marked and further inspections can be accomplished manually.
Figure 6
Without doubt the use of UAV for area surveying or infrastructure inspection saves on both time and cost. Drone mission planning features and tools of UgCS enable UAV professionals to customize each mission according to application requirements.   Find the right UgCS Mission Planner Software that is right for you at Unmanned Systems Source. Article is written in collaboration with Industrial Aerobotics, Arizona-based company providing aerial inspection, surveying and mapping services using UAVs and reprinted with permission.
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27Jun

Researchers consider the possibilities of swarms of drones for mapping oil spills

Drones have transformed a number of industries and services in addition to creating many new ones. The growth of drones is proof of how advancements in technology help perform certain tasks better and more efficiently. Today, engineers are developing software that allows a swarm of drones to map areas affected by oil spills. Their work is inspired by the swarm and communication behavior of insects and birds. However, given the very location of these disasters, surveying and mapping oil spills at sea or along coastlines is a difficult task. Accurately assessing the level of damage can be a tricky proposition. Researchers believe drones could provide a solution. Just as ants converge in the thousands to find and carry food to their colony, engineers believe a swarm of low-cost drones could aid in the mapping of oil spills.  

Swarms of Drones

Souma Chowdhury, an assistant professor of mechanical and Aerospace engineering at the University of Buffalo’s School of Engineering and Applied sciences, believes a swarm of drones for mapping applications is a possibility. Chowdhury and his team are pioneering a program that directs a swarm of drones to map an oil spill quickly. Although, the engineer argues, nature may seem random, mathematical principles can help explain swarm behaviors. The key is identifying the right principles so humans can tap into swarm behavior to help solve a range of complex issues, including oil spills. His team recently presented their vision in a paper at the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics and Technology. The study simulated the use of a swarm of five drones that mapped a kilometer long spill area. The drones completed this task in less than ten minutes -- which is significantly faster than traditional oil spill-mapping methods currently in use. Plus, swarm mapping drones could provide other benefits.  

More efficient means

Mapping oil spills via drone swarms creates efficiency in a number of way. First, a drone swarm's programmed flight pattern avoids areas previously mapped. In addition, drones are programmed to record whether they are over water or oil as well as assume that any space around the spill is also oil. All the while, information is shared among the swarm, in contrast to sharing images or video, thereby using less bandwidth and improving efficiency. Drones also have the ability to take off and land from a boat and return autonomously when their batteries are low. The UAVs deploying to replace returning drones have the data they need to continue the mapping mission. This shared information is another trait borrowed from the animal kingdom, with the engineers stating that communication is the basis of any swarm. Remarkably, if drone mapping proves feasible, it requires no human intervention throughout the whole process. Thus, oil spill mapping can take place quickly, even in treacherous conditions.  

Low-cost, hi-tech solutions

Chowdhury’s approach tackles a complex problem using simple UAV technology. The engineers used low cost drones outfitted with $35 Raspberry Pi computers, oil spill-mapping software, and affordable cameras. As far avoiding collisions in flight, Chowdhury looked to nature for inspiration. Researchers at the University of Queensland observed that parrots avoided collisions simply by veering to the right when flying. The engineers seek to implement this principle. The plan is to program drones to turn at a right angle if they sense another is too close. This developing technology has wider applications for a variety of tasks. In the future, swarms of drones will quickly map forested areas or natural disasters unreachable by humans. Chowdhury’s swarms of smart drones could prove one of the most innovative and important uses of drone technology to date.
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22Jun

Aeromapper Talon successfully completes BVLOS mission over 30Km away

Recently, Aeromao's Aeromapper Talon successfully completed an autonomous mission to a target located 30km away. The Talon maintained strong communications and its control link throughout the entire mission. This mission successfully demonstrated the potential for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for the Talon. The Aeromapper Talon costs only a fraction compared to systems with similar capabilities.  

Aeromapper Talon Demonstrates BVLOS

The Aeromapper team carried out the mission in the Andes Mountains of South America. The location of the flight was situated at 2,800m above sea level. The flight had a cruise altitude of 250m agl. Fifty percent of the flight traversed a body of water. The Talon traveled a total distance of 60km in its one hour flight. With a flight endurance of 2-hours, the Talon had enough flight time left to travel an additional 30km. However, the operators decided to bring the UAV back due to peaks in excess of 3,500 m above sea level in the flight path. Currently, the team is planning a future mission to demonstrate 50km reach capabilities. Aeromao's Aeromapper 300 also uses the same long range communication system as the Talon. The demand for BVLOS missions continues to grow throughout the industry. Applications for such missions include: power line and pipeline monitoring, roadways survey, surveillance and wildlife control, as well as long linear missions.  

Powerful solution for linear mission challenges

"We receive many requests from clients who need to fly linear missions sometimes to survey thousands of kilometers of pipelines, power lines or roadways," said Mauricio Ortiz of Aeromao. "We ourselves have completed hundreds of kilometers of linear projects, and know very well the challenges of these types of operations." The Aeromapper Talon is proving a solid solution given the specific capabilities demanded for these applications. Aeromapper Talon performs well in all:
  • Ability to operate in difficult terrain and with a mobile GCS with reliable and strong communications.
  • Quick deployment and easy operation: the Aeromapper Talon is flight ready in 15 minutes. It is one of the easiest UAVs to operate.
  • Several cycles of takeoff and landings per day from different locations: here the hand-launch and parachute landing are pretty much a MUST have. A large area survey needs the flexibility of operating from virtually anywhere.
  • Reliable and easy to repair in the field, as well as affordable with interchangeable spare parts.
 

Complete UAV solution, multiple fronts

Additionally, the Aeromapper Talon is also a multi-mission payload complete solution. It is a great choice for various applications, such as agriculture, centimeter accurate surveys, surveillance, and monitoring. Payloads available include:
  • 24 Mp RGB + with Parrot Sequoia simultaneously: complete full surveys at high resolution and get vegetation data in a single flight.
  • 24 Mp RG + Thermal Infrared: Ideal for pipeline or wildlife monitoring.
  • Forward looking day / night payload: An affordable surveillance and observation platform with long range video streaming. All systems are easily swappable.
  • Micasense RedEdge: A swappable payload option with serious agriculture power.
  • GNSS PPK: Eliminates GCPs and achieves up to 3 cm of accuracy for engineering projects. Also available as a swappable payload.
  • Pix4DMapper Aeromao Edition: serious post processing power with the most exhaustive power available. In an affordable bundle package with the complete UAV system.
  • Agisfot Photoscan Pro: Affordable and flexible post processing software to become a post-processing Ninja.
  Shop Aeromao's entire line of affordable UAV solutions at Unmanned Systems Source.
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19Jun

Pollinating Drones: Could Miniature UAVs Save the World from Falling Bee Numbers?

Pollinating DronesPollinating Drones: Could Miniature UAVs save the World from Falling Bee Numbers? A number of scientists and drone developers are considering just that scenario. For several years, scientist around the world have sounded the alarm over falling bee population numbers. Given their importance in the pollination of plants and crops, this is a cause for concern. Scientists speculate that factors such as human activity and climate change have contributed to the steady decrease in pollinators. But now researchers are proposing a radical new concept to tackle the troubling issue; tiny miniature drones as pollinators. Most of the world’s food supply comes from plants that require pollination. So, artificial pollinators may turn out to be an innovative and very important solution to securing it.  

Swarms of tiny Drones to act as Pollinators

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization says that over 70% of the crops we rely on for food depend on insect pollination. Other studies have found almost 40% of pollinators like bees and butterflies are at risk of extinction. To compound matters, as recently as last year, a massive chunk of commercial bee populations mysteriously died out. All this adds to concern about plant survival. According to a team of scientists from the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology in Japan this is where drones as pollinators could help. The researchers, given the worrying collapse of global bee numbers, envision a future where drones help pollinate plant flowers. As part of their research the scientists purchased an off the shelf UAV. The drone was outfitted with horsehair brush strips laced with ionic gel to mimic pollination by insects. The goal was to pollinate a species of flowers using the souped up quad-copter as a bee replacement. The scientists soon discovered they could maneuver the hummingbird-sized drone to allow the bristles to gently collect pollen. In this case, the drone successfully pollinated the wild Japanese lilies used in the trial. Thus, raising the prospect of swarms of drones working in fields to fertilize plants and crops i the future.  

Ionic gel

An ionic gel turned out to be the key to the trial's success. The ionic gel is a sticky substance with a long-lasting , lift-and-stick-again quality. Researchers placed the gel on the drone's horsehair's brush strips. Initially, the gel was developed by the research team’s lead chemist Eijiro Miyako for use on electrical components. However, it ended up finding its best-case use on the drone ‘bee’. For eight years, Miyako’s ionic gel had gone unused; the team was surprised at how well it retained its viscosity and resisted degradation. This led to the researchers trialing the gel as their carrier for pollen and leading to the materials’ successful use on the artificial pollination drone.   Hope for Farmers and Environmentalists The findings give hope to scientists and farmers across the world concerned about falling insect numbers and the possibility of crops failing should we fail to arrest the decline. While it may seem impractical to have mechanical devices working as pollinators, the idea is not completely far-fetched. Advances in drone technology mean that it is possible to control a number of UAVs from one interface. In many cases it is possible to control them remotely through an autonomous program. Currently, drones are available in a range of sizes. Advances towards miniature drones is not too far off either. The results of the research could also have potential implications for both robotics as well as agriculture. The research team believes that through a combination of artificial intelligence and GPS data, these artificial pollinators could "learn" pollination paths.  

Most crucial UAV development?

Innovative technology such as drones has always had a profound effect on the way we live and this may prove to be one of the most crucial UAV developments to date with regards to agriculture. It is therefore possible that large swarms of drones deployed in the environment could eventually help to arrest the issues caused by falling bee populations. Whether drones as pollinators are ever used to help secure the world’s food sources remains to be seen, but for worried farmers and environmentalists, it is a positive development.
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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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