DARPA, the agency behind a number of defense-related projects, has published a new video showing a swarm of autonomous drones surrounding a target. The demonstration took place under the agency's OFFensive Swarm-Enabled Tactics (OFFSET) program, which seeks technology that will eventually allow small infantry units to wield drone swarms comprised of up to 250 UAVs.
DJI has a new way to get a drone's eye view, with the DJI Digital First Person Viewing (FPV) Transmission System pairing live-streaming video with a set of digital goggles. Targeting the growing field of drone racing, along with videographers wanting a higher framerate from their footage, the system promises digital quality with latency to compete with traditional analog streaming systems.
DJI is preparing to release a first-person-view drone alongside goggles and a remote controller, according to documents recently published by the FCC. The filings cover three products, hinting at DJI's upcoming launch in the FPV drone racing market, something it dabbled in with its previous DJI Goggles Racing Edition, a $550 headset launched in 2018.
Parrot is grounding its toy drone business, opting to axe models like the Mambo and Swing and focus on more higher-end fare. The French company hovered into the drone segment back in 2010, with the original AR.Drone, and then proceeded to launch numerous models at consumer-friendly price points.
The United States Army has started testing pocket-sized infrared drones in Afghanistan with the expectation that they will eventually become part of a soldier's standard gear. The tiny drones, which are described as resembling miniature helicopters, were made by FLIR Systems. The drones can be deployed in less than a single minute and operated over a full mile.
The United States Air Force has rapidly developed a new microwave weapon called THOR that can take down swarms of drones, officials have announced. The weapon was unveiled on June 20 by the Air Force Research Laboratory to local reporters who were given a demonstration of THOR in action. The weapon system cost $15 million and was developed in only 18 months.
Uber's growing empire has been besieged numerous times and in numerous but that hasn't stopped the company from dreaming big and trying to be big. While it's self-driving plans are still undergoing scrutiny, a part of its company is setting its eyes on something less controversial and potentially more lucrative, too. Uber sets its sights on the the clouds with its Elevate aerial arm and its plans to deliver food on rooftops in just a few months.
Amazon has a new version of its Prime Air delivery drone, and it just unveiled it at the company's re:MARS 2019 conference. The new model is described as featuring a 'hybrid design' with improved stability and efficiency, as well as better safety than the previous version. This model is capable of vertical takeoffs and landings like a helicopter, can fly like an airplane, and may one day bring packages directly to customers.
Researchers at TU Delft have created what they call the world's smallest autonomous racing drone. The done is very small with a diameter of 10 cm, or slightly less than 4-inches. It weighs in at 72 grams and uses a single camera and little onboard processing to fly around a track autonomously.
Facebook has filed a patent application with the USPTO that details a drone involving two kites. The system, which is simply called a 'dual-kite aerial vehicle,' would use the two kites to maintain a specific altitude while also generating electricity that enables longer duration flights. The application was published by the USPTO on May 30.
Parrot, a French drone maker that has spent years in DJI's immense shadow, is one of half a dozen companies selected by the Pentagon to develop prototype aircraft suitable for military surveillance use. The work will take place under a government contract seeking the adaption of small consumer UAVs into drones that can be deployed for scouting missions on the battlefield.
Select future DJI drones will feature built-in technology that helps them avoid potential collisions with airplanes and helicopters. The company announced its intention to offer this technology on Wednesday, stating that it will be available on all drones that weigh more than 250 grams released after January 1, 2020. Key to the new feature will be AirSense, a technology that picks up on the ADS-B signals from planes and helicopters in the nearby vicinity.