Iris Automation is to release an updated version of its Casia system for drones, the only onboard detect and avoid system which can enable a 360˚ vision of their enviromment during flight.
Reliable and accurate onboard detect and avoid (DAA) systems such as the Casia X are an essential component to enabling the BVLOS (beyond visual line of sight) operation of drones so they can be used in commercial applications such as unmanned deliveries and remote inspection.
Casia X is the only solution for commercial drones and unpiloted aircraft that can deliver a full 360° radial detection capability using computer vision technology. Originally introduced as Casia 360, Casia X can run up to six cameras.
According to Iris, Casia X improves on the original system with a 7% increased probability of detection and a 12 times reduction in false detection. Casia has been tested with almost 16,000 real-world manned aircraft encounter flight tests to determine these numbers.
Casia is being used in several BVLOS test programs, including the FAA’s Beyond program, which aims to advance complex BVLOS operations in the US National Airspace System. The system was previously part of the FAA’s UAS (unmanned aerial system) Integration Pilot Program (IPP) which concluded last October and was run to help the regulator devise new rules, policy and guidance for low-altitude UAV operations.
Read our feature article about IPP and other R&D programs testing BVLOS drones here.
Drone operators and Industrial infrastructure inspection company Avisight has partnered with Iris as a Casia X beta user. The company intends to integrate Casia X into its field testing of infrastructure such as power lines and gas and oil pipelines.
William O’Donnell, director of operations at AviSight said, “Our customers understand that unmanned missions can dramatically enhance efficiencies, reduce costs and improve the overall safety of their infrastructure maintenance and environmental monitoring programs.
“Technologies like Casia provide us with additional layers of safety, helping us advance toward beyond visual line of sight BVLOS operations.”
Jason Hardy-Smith, vice president of product at Iris Automation said, “The response to Casia X has been phenomenal, and we are thrilled to deliver the product into our customers’ hands. We’ve gained significant feedback and experience since we first announced our 360 degree capability, which has been instrumental in shaping its capabilities for this major global market.”
Iris said that although first shipments of Casia X will be prioritized to pre-ordered customers and will be made on May 21, but that production slot reservations are still available. The company is to host a product information webinar about Casia X on April 29, 11:00am PT, register here.
Further Reading:
Podcast: Jon Damush, CEO, Iris Automation
Unmanned drone training and approvals program launched in Canada
Autonomous cargo aircraft – the roll-out has already begun
