This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World
On April 7, the Arcturus UAV JUMP 20 underwent its first soldier-operated flight in a capabilities assessment. Arcturus is the first candidate in the running to replace the Army’s RQ-7 Shadow UAS. (Defense News)
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RE2 Robotics fabricating face shields for small- and medium-sized clinics in Pittsburgh region
In collaboration with PPE Connect PGH and its coalition of local universities and manufacturers, RE2 Robotics has begun fabricating face shields for small- and medium-sized clinics.
PPE Connect PGH is helping healthcare workers on the front line in the fight against COVID-19 locate sources of existing idle Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
Using its 3D-printing capabilities, RE2 is fabricating parts for face shields that are being collected and distributed by PPE Connect PGH. Smaller health care entities such as community clinics, nursing homes, and independent facilities in the Pittsburgh region can get the face shields and all of the PPE donations for free.
African Drone and Data Academy graduates first students
The African Drone and Data Academy (ADDA) has graduated its first students in March at a ceremony in Malawi, enabling them to build and operate drones and analyze the data from them.
The students are now licensed drone pilots by the government of Malawi, are certified AUVSI Trusted Operator Program Level 2 pilots, and have the skills needed to enter the drone and data analytics workforce, according to ADDA.
"This is just the commencement of great things from us," graduate Anne Nderitu, a student from Kenya, said at the graduation. "We have received world-class knowledge in the drone technology, and it is upon to use it to use this knowledge to lead an create a better Africa."
DJI, Rosenbauer International AG partner to enhance emergency response efforts
DJI has announced a new strategic partnership with fire service vehicles and firefighting equipment manufacturer Rosenbauer International AG.
Through their collaboration, the companies will provide anyone involved in being called to address an emergency situation with the benefits of digital emergency response management, through the combination of an aerial perspective with Rosenbauer's operation management system. The combination will enable the quick assessment of situations, and for informed decisions to be made regarding the safest and most efficient deployment of personnel.
Diligent Robotics announces $10 million series A investment
Artificial intelligence company Diligent Robotics has announced that it has raised a $10 million series A investment.
Known for its hospital robot assistant called Moxi, Diligent Robotics launched in 2017 and since its launch, it has worked alongside hundreds of nurses to understand their work, and ultimately help them redesign workflows to incorporate Moxi.
“Seeing the passion and humanity that nurses bring to their job has become the most inspiring part of our work. Every member of our team feels proud that we get to build something that makes a difference for nurses, because they are just amazing people,” Diligent Robotics says.
First Responder UAS Endurance Challenge seeks out 'last drone standing'
You’ve heard the expression last man standing. Beginning April 1, a new competition will seek out the last drone standing.
In an effort to help equip first responders with the necessary technology to aid them during various operations, the First Responder UAS Endurance Challenge is designed to crowd-source as many inventive drone designs as possible for first responders.
British Airways tests fully autonomous, electric mobility devices at New York's JFK Airport
As part of its journey to become the airline of choice for customers with both hidden and visible disabilities, British Airways recently became the first airline to trial fully autonomous, electric mobility devices in North America.
From Unmanned Systems Magazine: How autonomous and remote underwater vehicles are boosting global maritime operations
Editor's note: To hear more on this topic and to visit with exhibitors at a Maritime Pavilion, register for Xponential 2020 here.
In January 1942, a 6,768-ton, 422.8-foot long British tanker, just five years old, steamed off Long Island, reporting that a menacing U-boat in its area was "increasingly serious."
On Jan. 15 of that year, the tanker, the Coimbra, was sunk by a German U-boat, taking it down and killing most of the crew. At the time, it had 2.7 million gallons of lubricating oil onboard. For 77 years, the oil would seep out, little by little — until recently.
AIRT, Public Safety Unmanned Response Team North Texas support using UAS for public safety missions
The Public Safety Unmanned Response Team North Texas (PSURTNTX) and Airborne International Response Team (AIRT) have signed an agreement of cooperation to support using UAS for public safety and emergency management missions.
Through the agreement, PSURTNTX—a Texas-based non-profit organization made up of UAS remote pilots from regional public safety entities—and AIRT will collaborate to develop emergency preparedness, response, and resilience capabilities between one another, as well as among select partner organizations.
The goal is to develop a “robust network” of UAS responders and geographic information systems (GIS) experts that can provide direct assistance and location intelligence during complex emergencies, rapidly expanding incidents, and major disasters.
AIRT to produce DroneResponders Emergency Management and Disaster Forum through new partnership with EDRC
The Energy Drone & Robotics Coalition (EDRC) is partnering with Airborne International Response Team (AIRT), which will result in AIRT producing the DroneResponders Emergency Management and Disaster Forum.
