Your behavior appears to be a little unusual. Please verify that you are not a bot.


Launchpad: Automated modules, drones, lasers

August 14, 2017  - By

OEM

Automobile module

Supports integration of telematics, managed services

The LE940A9 automotive-grade smart module supports LTE Advanced Category 9 (Cat 9) networks. It comes in three multi-band, multi-mode variants, including Voice-over-LTE (VoLTE), and is optimized for automobile manufacturers to deploy next-generation connected car technology in world markets. It features worldwide GNSS support including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, Beidou and QZSS. The LE940A9 delivers 450-Mbps download and 50-Mbps upload speeds with extremely low latency and advanced security, enabling the next wave of automobile industry’s applications and services that also serve as a springboard for autonomous driving.

Telit, www.telit.com

Refreshed board

Low-power, high-precision, positioning and heading

The refreshed Vector Eclipse H328 is designed for robotics, autonomous vehicles, antenna pointing, marine survey, machine control and any application where high-accuracy positioning and heading is required. The multi-frequency, multi-GNSS H328 is an all-signals receiver board that includes Hemisphere’s new and innovative hardware platform, reducing its overall cost, size, weight and power consumption. It also integrates the Atlas GNSS Global Correction Service. The H328 offers fast accuracy heading of better than 0.17 degrees at 0.5-meter antenna separation and aiding gyroscope and tilt sensors for temporary GNSS outages. The 60 x 100 millimeter module with 24-pin and 16-pin headers is a drop-in upgrade for existing designs using this industry standard form factor.

Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

Personal mobility

Wheelchair with embedded 3G module can be upgraded with GNSS

A cellular module is embedded in a personal mobility wheelchair built by WHILL, a Japanese company specializing in innovative products for the mobility industry. The WHILL Model C features cloud connectivity based on a 3G cellular module from u‑blox. The embedded module features worldwide UMTS/HSPA and GPRS/EDGE coverage with a small footprint, also enabling easy and cost‑effective bolting on of a u‑blox GNSS receiver such as the MAX‑7C. The personal electric vehicle combines a sleek design with the latest innovative functionalities, enabling users to live an active lifestyle. As WHILL is looking into autonomous driving for people with disabilities, u‑blox plans to contribute with wireless positioning and connectivity technology.

WHILL KK, www.whill.jp; u-blox, www.u-blox.com

GNSS for small cells

Technology for 5G networks, IoT

The OSA 5405 SyncReach is an integrated Precision Time Protocol (PTP) grandmaster and GNSS receiver with a patent-pending dual antenna and receiver to enable the mass roll out of small cells. The new technology has been engineered to provide accurate and affordable phase synchronization for the rapidly growing small-cell market and meet the stringent timing requirements of 4.5G and 5G connectivity. With the OSA 5405, operators can migrate from legacy GNSS RF antennas and cables to standard, cost-effective copper and fiber Ethernet cabling, reducing capital expenditure and operating expenses. Available in both indoor and outdoor variants, the OSA 5405 can be deployed in challenging environments, including urban canyons where GPS signals fail or positioned on indoor windows to avoid multipath signal interference from objects in the building.

Oscilloquartz, www.oscilloquartz.com

LPWA with GNSS

Global, dual-mode low-power wide-area (LPWA) cellular module

The AirPrime WP77 smart wireless modules simplify LPWA deployments for customers developing products that need to connect to multiple networks where different LPWA technologies are supported.

With integrated GNSS for tracking and location-based services, low-power modes and a comprehensive set of interfaces for connecting sensors and companion chips (including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth), customers can develop multi-service platforms for the transportation market, and use the WP77 for applications requiring low throughput and optimized power performance. The WP77 supports both LTE-M (Cat-M1) and NB-IoT (Cat-NB1) with optional 2G fallback, allowing customers to deploy the same device with multiple network operators worldwide. For those deploying in regions where 4G LTE coverage is not as widely available, 2G fallback ensures their devices stay connected to the network.

Sierra Wireless, www.sierrawireless.com

GNSS-aided ins

Absolute orientation for devices

The INS-T-306 module is a GNSS-aided inertial navigation system that combines GPS L1/L2, GLONASS, BeiDou and a high-performance strap-down system. It is capable of determining position, velocity and absolute orientation (heading, pitch and roll) for any device on which it is mounted. The INS-T-306 aims at facilitating motionless and dynamic applications that need high accuracy, such as vessels, ships, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned ground vehicles (UGVs). The INS-T-306 uses an advanced GNSS receiver, barometer, magnetometers, micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide accurate position, velocity, heading, pitch and roll of the device under measure. The unit supports differential GPS (DGPS) and real-time kinematic (RTK). It is able to integrate into the lidar brands Velodyne, Riegl and Faro.

Tersus GNSS, www.tersus-gnss.com

UAV

UAV detection

Effective detection and neutralization of drones

The SafeSky multi-sensor UAV detection and tracking system detects and neutralizes drones in any weather, providing true dome-like protection. A combination of proprietary radar, acoustic, vision and RF sensors enables minimized alarm-rates detection of small drones at a distance of at least 1,000 meters. Its miniaturized, low-power radars are based on proprietary space technology developed with the European Space Agency. All sensors data is fused and the result presented in an integrated software environment. No-drone zones are easily defined. Alarms are issued via SMS, email and in graphical and sound form. The SafeSky application is web-based and can be run on desktop computers and tablets for untethered operation. To neutralize drones, the system uses directive jammers or drone hacking (depending on regulations), forcing the drone to return to its operator or land safely in a controlled manner.

Advanced Protection Systems, www.detectdrones.com

Fixed-wing drone

Large area survey tool

The DATAhawk PPK is an ultra-high accuracy fixed-wing drone package designed for professional surveyors that need maximum geospatial precision. It provides absolute (not relative) survey-grade results within minutes. The drone produces repeatable results. It is equipped with a dual-frequency L1/L2 receiver tracking GPS and GLONASS; 132 hardware channels allow simultaneous tracking of all visible GPS/GLONASS satellites. This system allows the aircraft to fly much further than with an RTK system, once flight camera positions are corrected by combining GNSS recordings of the aircraft with the corresponding information of the reference base station on the ground. The UAV is free of the requirement of a separate, high bandwidth, GPS link to a base station.

Quest UAV, www.questuav.com

Light imager

Dual thermal and visible sensor drone camera

The FLIR Duo is the same size and shape as popular action cameras, but features advanced capabilities. Equipped with FLIR’s smallest and lightest Lepton thermal camera core, operators are no longer constrained by daylight. The Duo provides the power to see objects over 100 yards away in complete darkness, smoke and light fog. Equipped with a 160 x 120 thermal camera and High-Definition (HD) 1080 color camera, FLIR Duo allows operators to swap between the two cameras mid-flight or view both in a picture-in-picture mode via the FLIR UAS app. FLIR’s proprietary multi-spectral dynamic (MSX) image processing algorithm embosses the thermal image with key details from the visible camera, resulting in a sharp dual-spectrum image. A fully radiometric variant called Duo R delivers accurate, calibrated temperature measurements in every pixel.

FLIR, www.flir.com

Drone deterrence

Technology without electronic jamming is safe for urban areas

ApolloShield is a radio system that detects and drives unauthorized drones away at the push of a button. Its RF jammers are field-proven, immediately deployable devices that emit strong signals that break the communications of unwanted drones, driving them away from secure sites. Drone identities are extracted from the radio signal and can be used as a lead to catch the operator. ApolloShield is customizable so that every site will have optimal protection, yet is plug-and-play and can be deployed in a few hours at any location and operated without any special training. The system consists of several elements, including an omni-directional antenna, a signal processing unit (pictured), and the Cloud Control Center that can be accessed from any cloud-connected device (pictured). ApolloShield is designed for various threat scenarios, including surveillance, accident response, terrorism, and incarceration violations using drones.

ApolloShield, www.apolloshield.com

Collision-tolerant UAV

Reduces accidents and injuries

The Elios drone solves the challenge of flying drones indoors in complex and confined spaces or in contact with humans, reducing the risk of collisions and injuries. By enabling remote visual inspection in any indoor environments, Elios eliminates the need for workers to enter hazardous places or face dangerous situations. The protective carbon-fiber frame is collision-tolerant up to 15 km/h. Elios reduces downtime and performs an entire inspection in hours, eliminating the need for scaffolding, rope access, or cranes for visual inspections of difficult-to-reach areas. Its integrated payload includes simultaneous full HD and thermal imagery recording, and adjustable tilt angle.

Flyability, www.flyability.com

Navigation kit

RTK GNSS for pixhawk drones

The Here+ RTK GNSS kit is an open source drone navigation kit. It is built around u‑blox’ NEO‑M8P high-precision real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS module. Supported by Ardupilot out of the box, the kit consists of a round rover designed to be mounted on the drone and is connected to the flight controller using a supplied 8‑pin CLIK-mate connector (for the autopilot Pixhawk2) or an optional 4 pin + 6 pin DF13 connector (for the Pixhawk1). The base station with its smaller GNSS receiver and an external antenna complete the equipment. The open-source drone technology is intended to reach a larger community and assist drone companies with affordable accessories for applications such as agriculture, powerline inspection, precision farming, logistics and 3D mapping.

HEX, www.hex.aero

Agriculture sensor

Customizable filters allow for unique crop health detection

The Quad Sensor features four fully customizable imagers for collecting precision agriculture data. In its standard configuration, the sensors offer standard normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), green NDVI, normalized difference red edge (NDRE) and high-resolution color data capture in a single flight. Simultaneous collection of NDVI and NDRE data provides users with informative, accurate insights about crop health while streamlining operations. Custom filtering options provide virtually limitless configuration options. Because the Quad Sensor allows targeting of specific vegetative indices, it is being used by universities, researchers, large growers and agriculture advisors.

Sentera, www.sentera.com

Auto-follow camera drone

Autonomous drone takes flight

The Airdog ADII builds on the high-performance elements of the original Airdog drone. It combines advanced intelligent tracking technology with a durable design and autonomous, all-terrain flight performance. Built for hands-free operation, the ADII eliminates the need for manned operation, giving the user complete active freedom with perfect content capture. Customizable flight trajectories allow for more dynamic angles and obstacle avoidance, and scenic-capture modes provide unique filming perspectives. Its pro-grade camera stabilization and auto-record system guarantee smooth, framed, professional-grade footage even in challenging environments, such as high speeds, wind, water and abrupt elevation and terrain changes. The durable, lightweight, waterproof AirLeash tracking device allows for hands-free action with simple controls. The backlit LCD interface is loaded with easy flight, start-up tutorials and preset, sport and customizable modes plus a series of automated creative modes for capturing scenery.

Airdog, www.airdog.com

Onboard Defense

Micro Electronic Defense System (OMEDS) for drones, robots

The Pyramid installs easily to fully secure a drone or robot, add system robustness, and provide data for better planning and execution of missions. The Pyramid provides three layers of functionality: advanced security for the system and data with real-time full system encryption and GPS spoofing protection; operational reliability and robustness with RF link redundancy; and mission-enhancing benefits of RF mapping provided by collection and analysis of big data. RF mapping visually maps the datalink’s RSSI and GPS reception for better mission planning and execution. This enables better, safer, continuous autonomous operation in all environments. It includes virus and malware protection, and full system encryption for remote-control, telemetry and video links. Pyramid weighs about 1 ounce (30 grams), measures 2 inches (5 cm) and has no effect on a system’s performance. Regulus is offering a test and evaluation program to customers.

​​Regulus Cyber, www.regulusx.com

UAS mapping software

Cloud support added

Version 17.1 of the UAS Mapping desktop product now includes an upload-to-the-cloud feature. The upgrade includes the capability to upload any UAS Mapping content to a SaaS-based sharing and collaboration platform. Users can instantly bring their drone/UAS/UAV data online. The upload process is fluently integrated in the workflows of the product, with the required checks and validations. Upload time depends on the internet connection. Once uploaded, the data is immediately available for sharing on 3dmapping.cloud. The new Catalog tool adds insight and overview of all data-collection jobs.

Orbit GT, www.orbitgt.com

Survey & Mapping

Survey-grade laser

For field data collection and mapping

The TruPoint 300 is a fully integrated laser with vertical and horizontal angle encoders capable of producing 3-D, survey-grade measurements. It produces +/–1 millimeter range accuracy. The phase-technology product has a laser diode that emits light pulses with a distinct wavelength and pulse repetition frequency that obtains millimeter accuracy. The fully integrated MapStar Angle Technology makes the Trupoint 300 suitable for GIS, incident mapping, crush analysis, surveying, electric utilities, architecture and construction. It will measure the distance between two remote points and has onboard solutions for volume, height, 2D and 3D area. Professionals can navigate through measured data, routines and menus with a full-color touchscreen.

Laser Technology Inc., www.lasertech.com

Surveying application

Enables custom app design for Android and iOS

TerraGo Magic is a custom app designed for both iOS and Android platforms that simplifies the process of designing a custom application for specific clients and needs.Surveying firms can install this tool in their mobile device to enable the specific collection and sharing of important data that can vary as needed. The data can overlay Google and Apple Maps and allow attachments of images and video. The app avoids the time-consuming coding process, and can significantly improve workflow for many firms.

TerraGo, www.terragotech.com

Rugged receiver

For harsh construction environments

The Vector VR1000 GNSS receiver enables better positioning for machine control applications. Designed specifically for harsh construction environments, the Vector VR1000 — when combined with SiteMatrix software — can empower heavy equipment manufacturers to provide their own machine control and guidance solutions to their customers. It also has a new web user interface. The multi-frequency, multi-GNSS receiver offers real-time kinematic (RTK) positioning and high-precision heading. It has an Athena RTK engine, Atlas L-band corrections and excellent connectivity. With a baseline separation up to 10 meters, users can achieve heading accuracies of up to 0.01 degrees. The 744-channel VR1000 tracks GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou, Galileo, QZSS and IRNSS. Its connectivity features support Ethernet, CAN, internal 400-MHz/900-MHz radio, serial, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Integrated L-band adds support for Atlas GNSS global corrections for meter- to sub-decimeter-level accuracy.

Hemisphere GNSS, www.hemispheregnss.com

Imaging scanner

Miniaturized for quick collection of as-built reality-capture data

The BLK360 miniaturized 3D imaging laser scanner simplifies collection of as-built reality-capture data for work in architecture, design, construction and engineering, among other vertical markets. It is an easy-to-use and powerful device that enables professionals to capture 360-degree high-dynamic range (HDR) spherical imagery within minutes. Users place the lightweight BLK360 on a level surface or tripod and, with the push of a button, it captures 360-degree HDR spherical imagery and takes a 360,000 points per second laser scan. The BLK360 features +/–4 mm accuracy at 10 meters and an overall 0.6–60-meter range. Within three minutes, the spherical image and laser scan is completed and ready to view in the Autodesk ReCap Pro for mobile app, which runs on an iPad Pro. From there, users can take measurements, add markup and annotations or share onsite data with their colleagues back in the office.

Leica Geosystems, lasers.leica-geosystems.com