KPIT Technologies has partnered with a Silicon Valley-based lifelong learning platform called Udacity to upskill and build the engineering talent ecosystem for autonomous technology, including self-driving cars and autonomous flight.
A global technology partner to OEMs and Tier 1s, KPIT helps these companies accelerate the implementation of next generation vehicle technologies, including autonomous driving.
Business Solutions
Business Solutions
Kratos opens new UAS production facility in Oklahoma City
Kratos Defense & Security Solutions Inc. recently cut the ribbon on its new 100,000 square foot UAS production facility, which is located in the Will Rogers Business Park in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
According to Kratos, the new facility will be used to accommodate existing and expected increased demand for its newest line of high performance, jet powered unmanned aerial tactical and target UAS.
Kratos says that over the next five years, it plans to hire at least 350 employees in Oklahoma. Kratos says that these employees will fill the “high-skilled engineering, design, and manufacturing functions” that will be needed to support the production contracts for these aircraft.
PrecisionHawk expands network of UAS pilots through acquisition of Uplift Data Partners
PrecisionHawk Inc. has purchased Uplift Data Partners, which is a company that delivers turnkey inspection services for construction, building information management (BIM) and real-estate.
Having provided UAS services for leading national and global brands, Uplift’s nationwide network of commercially trained UAS pilots will join PrecisionHawk’s Droners.io network of UAS pilots, which currently stands at more than 15,000.
“This acquisition displays PrecisionHawk’s commitment to strengthening our technology and expertise in high-growth markets,” says Michael Chasen, PrecisionHawk CEO.
U.S. Army awards Raytheon $191 million contract for its counter-UAS radar
The U.S. Army has awarded Raytheon a $191 million contract for Ku-band radio frequency radars (KuRFS).
Described as an “advanced electronically scanned array system,” KuRFS fills an immediate operational need of the U.S. Army for a counter-UAS radar.
KuRFS, which is already deployed, not only delivers precision fire control, but it also provides a “sense and warn” capability for a variety of missions including detection of rocket, artillery, mortar and swarming UAS threats.
CustomWeather and TruWeather Solutions partner to produce 'unique, high resolution' forecasts to support UAS
A provider of high-resolution weather data and alert services called CustomWeather Inc. has partnered with TruWeather Solutions LLC to produce “unique, high resolution” forecasts to support UAS.
The companies will offer UAS operators that need high resolution data TruWeather Solutions’ proprietary model that includes terrain-capturing resolutions at 1,000 meters. The model is complemented by CustomWeather’s own proprietary CW100 model to “provide solutions at even more granular 100 meter resolution,” the companies say.
Volvo Cars and Baidu partner to develop and manufacture autonomous vehicles for China
Volvo Cars and Baidu have agreed to jointly develop electric and fully autonomous drive-compatible cars, with a mind towards mass producing these vehicles for the largest car market in the world, China.
Through their partnership, Volvo Cars and Baidu will develop and sell these vehicles to potential Chinese customers, which underlines Volvo Cars’ desire to be the supplier of choice for mobility companies across the world.
Ford and Baidu announce two-year joint autonomous vehicle test project in China
Ford Motor Company and Baidu Inc. have announced a two-year joint autonomous vehicle test project in which they’ll work together to further advance the development and on-road testing of autonomous vehicles in China.
According to Ford, the collaboration is aligned with its plans to “further advance and promote autonomous vehicle technologies,” which ultimately supports the company’s vision of designing “smart vehicles for a smart world.”
Automated drone startup Airobotics receives $30 million in funding
Automated drone startup Airobotics has announced a $30 million Series D round of funding, which brings its total capital raised to $101 million. Based in Israel, Airobotics says that it will use this round of funding to further scale its operations in the U.S. and Australia.
Recently, Airobotics launched its North American headquarters in Scottsdale, Arizona. From this location, Airobotics will run all North America, South America and Central America operations. The Scottsdale office will also become the company’s global headquarters as Airobotics continues to scale.
Airobotics will also use this latest round of funding to continue servicing the mining industry and other industrial facilities across the world.
AUVSI launches Trusted Operator Program to help UAS operators demonstrate their skill, safety commitment
AUVSI has now given unmanned aircraft systems operators a way to increase their safety and boost their standing in the marketplace through today’s launch of the new Trusted Operator Program, or TOP.
Interest in becoming a commercial drone operator has been growing, but so far, from a regulatory perspective, there has been little available to allow an operator to stand out from the crowd and demonstrate competency or proficiency. While numerous training courses exist, there has been no industry unification for competency training or testing.
