Computer vision and artificial intelligence (AI) enable UAVs to detect and avoid nearby aircraft

CHICAGO – Iris Automation Inc. in San Francisco is introducing Casia computer vision technology detect-and-avoid technology to enable beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

The company is announcing the new product this week in booth 517 at the Association for Unmanned Vehicles International (AUVSI) Exponential conference and trade show in Chicago.

Casia enables a UAV to understand the aviation environment around it as if a pilot were on board, Iris Automation officials say. Casia detects other aircraft, uses machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to classify them, makes decisions about the threat they may pose, and triggers automated maneuvers to avoid collisions.

Casia combines small size, weight, and power consumption (SWaP), AI algorithms, and software packaged in a self-contained computer that works with a machine vision camera.

Related: The new world of counter-drone technology

The Casia technology has been tested, with more than 7,000 real-world flights on various manned aircraft against UAVs in mid-air collision scenarios, as well as more than 40,000 encounters in computer simulations. Casia also ran an early adopter program with more than 30 beta customers from five countries.

Iris Automation is working with regulators around the world to make drones safer and more accessible. With the Casia launch, Iris Automation also will offer regulatory support for Part 107 waiver writing and regulatory approval processes to secure permissions for their unique UAV operations.

For more information contact Iris Automation online at www.irisonboard.com/casia, or the AUVSI at www.auvsi.org.

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