In an effort to advance global medical drone deliveries, Pierce Aerospace has announced a partnership with a drone delivery company based in Bengaluru, India called Redwing Labs.
The partnership will leverage the respective strengths of each company, including Pierce Aerospace’s Remote Identification expertise and technologies, and Redwing Labs' long-distance delivery UAS and operations.
“I am happy to see Redwing Labs and Pierce Aerospace combining efforts to advance medical drone delivery around the world,” says Aaron Pierce, CEO Pierce Aerospace.
IHP
IHP
Consortium tests using UAS to deliver temperature-dependent medicines and vaccines to hard-to-reach locations
A consortium made up of AT&T, Direct Relief, Merck and Softbox has completed a program that tested the potential of using UAS to deliver
EMILY USV saves four swimmers at Oregon beach
The Emergency Integrated Lifesaving Lanyard (EMILY) USV was recently used to rescue four swimmers from the ocean at Rockaway Beach in Oregon, according to KGW.com.
After training with the USV for about a year, the Rockaway Fire Department deployed EMILY for the first time on Monday, July 8, to save two young boys and their family members that tried to rescue them.
Chandler, Arizona launches autonomous vehicle ride-hailing program for city employees
The city of Chandler, Arizona recently announced plans to launch an autonomous vehicle ride-hailing program for select city employees, in partnership with Waymo.
Expected to last for at least one year, the program will be used to evaluate the productivity of employees as they commute to and from off-site work meetings, as well as the potential fleet services cost savings.
“We’ve worked closely with Waymo for the past several years and it’s a natural progression to utilize their technology,” says Mayor Kevin Hartke.
iRobot Corp. acquires educational robotics developer Root Robotics
iRobot Corp. has acquired Root Robotics, the developer of an educational robot called the Root coding robot, which teaches children as young as four years old coding and 21st century problem-solving skills.
With the addition of the Root coding robot to its product lineup, iRobot says that the acquisition of Root Robotics supports its plans to diversify its educational robot product offerings, as it continues to showcase its commitment to make robotic technology more accessible to educators, students and parents.
RE2 Robotics to enhance LIFELINE system with Phase III SBIR grant award
RE2 Robotics will continue developing its LIFELINE system, which is designed to help combat medics in the field, thanks to being awarded a Phase III Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant from the U.S. Army SBIR office and the U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity (USAMRAA).
Described as a medical module applique kit that can easily be installed on either a manned or unmanned vehicle, the LIFELINE system allows a single person to lift and stow up to two litters (stretchers) on a vehicle to facilitate medical evacuations. According to RE2 Robotics, the system reduces the “cognitive and physical burden” on combat medics as they focus on saving lives.
Wounded Eagle UAS uses UAS to map VA West Los Angeles Medical Center campus
Wounded Eagle (WE) UAS Inc., a veteran run non-profit organization that trains disabled veterans to become experienced and skilled FAA Part 107 UAS operators, has announced that with help from its student UAS operators, it completed aerial mapping of VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System's (VAGLAHS) 388-acre VA West Los Angeles Medical Center (WLA) campus.
WE used a UAS and UAS mapping software to capture thousands of images of WLA. The images were stitched together to make a three zone orthomosaic map. WE also created 3D renderings of several historical buildings including the Wadsworth Chapel and Brentwood Theater.
“A truly great opportunity was given to Wounded Eagle UAS by the VA,” says Joseph Dorando, the team lead and remote pilot in charge of UAS operations.
Pima Community College, TuSimple launch autonomous driving certificate program for truck drivers
Pima Community College (PCC) and TuSimple have announced the launch of the first autonomous driving certificate program for truck drivers.
Known as the “Autonomous Vehicle Driver and Operations Specialist” certificate program, the program will provide truck drivers with the knowledge and skills needed to expand their roles in the industry, as it prepares individuals for a variety of jobs including training the autonomous system as test drivers, operating the vehicle in situations where autonomous driving is not suitable and to remotely monitor the system from a command center.
Draper, Harvard University building microrobots for search and rescue operations
Engineers from Draper and Harvard University’s Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering and Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences (SEAS) are collaborating to create a small climbing robot that could be used for search and rescue operations in high-risk environments.
From Unmanned Systems Magazine: Automated trucks gain traction
When it comes to self-driving vehicles, cars seem to get most of the publicity but many new and established players are seeking to transform commercial trucking by developing automation technology that helps or removes the driver.
Companies have equipped trucks with various sensors, software, tracking devices and wireless communications gear and are testing their souped-up vehicles on real roads, sometimes with customer freight onboard.
According to proponents of such efforts, autonomous trucking offers many benefits, including increased safety. In the United States, about 4,000 people a year die in truck accidents, most of which are caused by human error.
Driverless trucks could also save money and boost productivity.
