Military Embedded Systems

UASs to use sensors and AI to autonomously launch and land without GPS

News

November 04, 2020

Emma Helfrich

Technology Editor

Military Embedded Systems

UASs to use sensors and AI to autonomously launch and land without GPS
Planck AeroSystems photo.

PERTH, Australia. Strategic Elements Ltd. subsidiary Stealth Technologies has signed an agreement to collaborate with U.S.-based autonomous drone technology company, Planck AeroSystems. The companies will aim to work to enable drones to autonomously launch and land from the Stealth ground based autonomous vehicle platform (AxV).

According to the company, Planck's core enabling technology is vision-based precision landing on moving platforms without GPS. In sectors such as security, defense, and resources, drones can augment ground-based cameras and sensors to provide additional range, multi-angle coverage, and additional critical data including thermal imaging.

Stealth Technologies claims to be developing an Autonomous Security Vehicle (ASV) for perimeter security in sectors such as transport, government, and utilities providing critical services. The Planck Autonomous Control Engine (ACE) system is an embedded software solution that is designed to run onboard a variety of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) intended to enable autonomous launch, recovery, relative navigation, and mission planning from a moving vehicle. 

The companies claim that the precision landing system uses computer vision, artificial intelligence (AI), and other onboard sensors, but does not require GPS or active communications. Planck's intelligent navigation solutions are intended to enable new capabilities for surveillance, reconnaissance, real-time situational awareness, and force protection.