This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World

In an effort to provide improved data privacy assurances for sensitive government and enterprise customers, DJI has announced that it is developing a “new local data mode that stops internet traffic to and from its flight control apps.” DJI's flight control apps regularly communicate over the internet to make sure that UAS have the best information that is conducive to successful flights, such as the most relevant local maps and geofencing data, the latest versions of apps, and the correct radio frequency and power requirements. This announcement by DJI comes a few weeks after the U.S. Army said it would “halt use of all DJI products” as a result of “increased awareness of cyber vulnerabilities associated with DJI products.” (DJI)

Insitu has partnered with a Geographic Information Systems and Technology Company called FireWhat, and a company that builds mapping and spatial analytics software called Esri. The partnership will result in Insitu providing its INEXA Solutions for aerial reconnaissance for fighting wildfires. INEXA Solutions includes INEXA Control, Insitu air vehicles and payloads. Through the partnership, the INEXA Solutions professional aerial remote sensing services group will work with FireWhat’s fire professionals and use the company’s geographic information system (GIS) customized for firefighters, which is hosted on Esri’s ArcGIS platform. (Insitu)

In Northern California, the Plumas National Forest flew a UAS over the Minerva Fire. The U.S. Forest Service says that fire managers were able to get an accurate assessment of remaining heat pockets, thanks to the UAS’ FLIR infrared camera, which detected heat and produced thermal imagery. The UAS was also used to produce an updated map of the fire as well. (Unmanned Aerial)

The city of Concord, North Carolina will soon begin using UAS for emergency response situations, in an effort to provide situational awareness to keep coworkers and citizens safe during dangerous operations. Over the past year, the city has been working on a number of different things to ensure that the technology is integrated safely, including developing policies and procedures around the UAS while also complying with FAA and NCDOT regulations, and identifying and training potential UAS operators. (Independent Tribune)

Arkansas’ Greenwood High School will begin offering UAS classes for the first time this fall. Two classes will be taught by Troy Jarrell, a certified UAS pilot that also has his own aerial photo/video business called G6M Productions. The classes that Jarrell teaches will cover a wide range of topics, including the construction of UAS, FAA regulations and teamworking skills. 10 students will be in each class, and each UAS will have two students assigned to it. (Times Record)

In an effort to “augment its fleet of cutters and rotary-wing aircraft with eyes in the sky,” the United States Coast Guard is working to further incorporate UAS into its operations, so that, among many things, it can combat illicit drug and human smuggling operations, and improve its role in securing maritime borders. The Coast Guard is continuing its pursuit of acquiring small UAS capabilities for its national security cutter fleet, but small UAS are already installed and operating on the Coast Guard Cutter Stratton, and they will be used in coordination with the NSC and other assets to provide “persistent, tactical airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance to enhance the cutters’ effectiveness.” (Coast Guard Compass)

The video analytics team at AT&T Labs has begun working with the company’s National Drone Team to “bring automated cell tower inspections a step closer to reality.” AT&T says that automation in the mix allows them to work faster, better and more efficiently when inspecting its cell towers. AT&T is hopeful that automated inspections will be possible down the line, but that will largely be contingent on regulatory changes and further research. (AT&T)