Planck Aerosystems will begin testing its autonomous small UAS in operational settings, after the Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) announced that it has awarded the San Diego-based company $200,000. 

The award was given to Planck as part of S&T’s Silicon Valley Innovation Program (SVIP), in partnership with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

With Planck’s technology, a small UAS has the ability to launch from and land on the bed of a moving vehicle. The technology also provides fully autonomous navigation combined with a securing mechanism, advanced computer vision capabilities, and customized communications interfaces.

Planck’s goal is to provide CBP agents with a “portable, ruggedized detection system that provides real-time situational awareness in the field,” using a combination of integrated technologies such as full-motion video, automatic target detection and geolocation.

“S&T is looking for technologies to enhance the efficacy of CBP patrols while simultaneously increasing the safety of patrolling agents,” says SVIP Managing Director Melissa Oh.

“We look forward to the ways Planck will further refine its technology in support of this homeland security mission.”

According to DHS, companies participating in the SVIP are eligible for up to $800,000 of non-dilutive funding over four phases to adapt commercial technologies for homeland security to use. Planck will spend this fourth phase of SVIP focusing on functional usability improvements, such as improving user interfaces and increasing nighttime functionality.