News/Drones
Cadence Design and Arm develop first system chiplet for ADAS and drone applications
The semiconductor industry's first system chiplet for ADAS, drones, and AI applications has been developed by Cadence Design Systems in collaboration with Arm. Key Innovation: Cadence Design Systems has created the industry's first Arm-based system chiplet, a device that manages resources in multi-chiplet System-on-a-Chip (SoC) designs. The system chiplet includes a system processor, safety management processor, various controllers, and a Network on Chip (NoC) It features Cadence PHY IP for LPDDR5 memory and uses Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) for inter-chiplet communications The design complies with Arm's Chiplet System Architecture (CSA), ensuring interoperability with other chiplets Technical Context: A system...
read Dec 15, 2024Nokia and Motorola develop AI-powered drone-in-a-box system
Automated drone systems from major technology providers are transforming emergency response and industrial operations through AI-powered aerial intelligence. Partnership overview: Nokia and Motorola Solutions have combined their expertise to create an automated drone-in-a-box solution that enables remote deployment and operation of drones for emergency services and industrial applications. The system integrates Nokia's Drone Networks infrastructure with Motorola Solutions' CAPE drone management software Operations centers can remotely dispatch drones to assess emergency situations and potential hazards without putting personnel at immediate risk The solution operates over 4G/LTE or 5G networks, enabling beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) capabilities for extended range...
read Dec 5, 2024OpenAI and Anduril are building AI-powered drones for the military
The integration of advanced AI technology into military applications marks a significant shift in how artificial intelligence companies approach defense partnerships, particularly highlighted by OpenAI's recent collaboration with Anduril Industries. Key partnership announcement: OpenAI and Anduril Industries have formed an alliance to develop AI models for aerial defense systems that will assist US and allied forces. The partnership aims to create AI systems similar to GPT-4 that will help process and analyze data for military defensive operations Anduril Industries, founded by Oculus creator Palmer Luckey in 2017, specializes in defense technology including AI-powered drones and missile components The collaboration will...
read Nov 23, 2024Hundreds more ancient Nazca lines discovered in Peru thanks to AI
The remote desert of southern Peru's Nazca region continues to yield archaeological surprises as researchers discover hundreds of new geoglyphs using cutting-edge drone and AI technology. Historical context: The Nazca Lines, an ancient network of ground drawings visible only from above, were first discovered in the 1920s and created by a pre-Incan civilization between 200 B.C. and 700 A.D. The markings appear as simple furrows from ground level but transform into intricate designs when viewed from the air Designs include geometric shapes like trapezoids and spirals, as well as stylized animals such as hummingbirds, spiders, and a cat with a...
read Nov 11, 2024The Pentagon has a new autonomous AI-powered machine gun called ‘Bullfrog’
The U.S. military's latest counter-drone initiative represents a significant advancement in autonomous defense systems, combining artificial intelligence with traditional weaponry to address emerging aerial threats. The innovation: The Bullfrog system, developed by Allen Control Systems, integrates artificial intelligence and computer vision technology with a conventional 7.62-mm M240 machine gun mounted on a rotating turret. The system demonstrates remarkable precision in targeting and neutralizing small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), requiring only minimal ammunition to achieve successful hits Weighing less than 400 pounds, the Bullfrog offers superior mobility compared to existing counter-drone platforms The current configuration maintains human oversight for firing decisions,...
read Oct 9, 2024Cyberhawk unveils new AI tool for faster, smarter drone inspections
Cyberhawk's AI-powered drone inspection tool: Cyberhawk, a leader in drone inspection and surveying services, has introduced Visualive, an AI-powered tool designed to revolutionize asset inspections across various industries. Visualive is a major upgrade to Cyberhawk's existing iHawk platform, integrating artificial intelligence to analyze drone-captured data instantly. The new software module aims to streamline the inspection process for industries such as utilities, oil and gas, and large construction projects. Cyberhawk claims that Visualive can improve inspection efficiency, reduce asset management costs, and enable faster, more informed decision-making. Key features and capabilities: Visualive offers a range of advanced features that bring a...
read Oct 7, 2024AI drone software outperforms search teams in finding missing people
Innovative drone system revolutionizes mountain rescue operations: British Mountain Rescue volunteers have developed an automated drone system that significantly enhances search capabilities for missing persons in challenging terrains. Dan Roach, David Binks, and Dan Parsons, volunteers with UK Mountain Rescue teams, created the system to address the limitations of traditional search methods. The technology combines drones equipped with cameras and custom software to conduct more efficient and thorough searches than human teams alone. This innovative approach has already proven its worth by locating the body of Charlie Kelly, a hiker in Scotland, after six weeks of unsuccessful traditional search efforts....
read Oct 2, 2024DroneDeploy launches ‘Safety AI’ to protect against construction site hazards
New AI tool aims to revolutionize construction site safety: DroneDeploy has launched Safety AI, an innovative solution designed to automatically identify and prioritize safety risks on construction sites using advanced artificial intelligence technology. Safety AI integrates with DroneDeploy's Ground platform, analyzing thousands of images captured weekly to detect visible safety hazards. The tool ranks identified risks by severity, allowing safety teams to address potential hazards more efficiently and effectively. DroneDeploy claims Safety AI achieves a 95% accuracy rate in identifying risks based on OSHA standards. Addressing a critical industry need: The construction industry faces significant safety challenges, with accident rates...
read Sep 29, 2024New research to employ Drones and AI to boost cyclist safety in Boston
Innovative approach to cyclist safety: Researchers from the University of Massachusetts are employing drones and artificial intelligence to study and improve bike lane safety in Somerville, Massachusetts. The study, taking place near Porter Square, uses drones to record traffic patterns and interactions between cyclists and vehicles from hundreds of feet above the streets. AI software will analyze the video footage to generate data for safety improvement recommendations, including changes to bike lanes, signage, and barriers. The research aims to identify effective safety measures and suggest potential driver training programs to enhance cyclist protection. Context of cycling safety concerns: The study...
read Sep 28, 2024Skydio unveils new docking station for its X10 AI drone
Skydio's game-changing drone technology: Skydio, a leading drone manufacturer, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Dock for X10, a groundbreaking docking station designed to revolutionize autonomous drone operations. The Dock for X10 is specifically engineered to work seamlessly with Skydio's X10 drones, enabling them to be stationed virtually anywhere and enhancing their autonomy and scalability. This new docking station represents a significant leap forward in drone technology, potentially transforming various industries that rely on aerial data collection and surveillance. Robust design for extreme conditions: The Dock for X10 is built to withstand harsh environments, making it suitable for a wide...
read Sep 17, 2024Amazon is Using Generative AI to Make Prime Deliveries Even Faster
Amazon's AI-driven delivery revolution: Amazon is harnessing the power of generative AI to revolutionize its package delivery system, aiming to surpass its already impressive same or next-day delivery rate for Prime items. Amazon, long known for setting industry standards in fast delivery, is now leveraging generative AI to push the boundaries of efficiency and speed in package delivery. The company's goal is to increase the percentage of Prime items delivered same or next day beyond the current 60% mark achieved in March 2024. This ambitious pursuit comes despite potential concerns about increased energy consumption and associated costs. Key applications of...
read Sep 16, 2024Larry Ellison Thinks Omnipresent AI Surveillance Will Ensure Good Behavior
Oracle co-founder envisions AI-powered surveillance future: Larry Ellison, during a company financial meeting, outlined a world where artificial intelligence systems would constantly monitor citizens through cameras and drones to ensure compliance with laws. The surveillance ecosystem: Ellison described a comprehensive network of AI-powered monitoring devices that would permeate everyday life, creating an environment of constant observation. AI models would analyze footage from various sources, including security cameras, police body cams, doorbell cameras, and vehicle dash cams. AI-controlled drones would replace police vehicles in high-speed pursuits, potentially reducing risks associated with traditional car chases. This extensive surveillance network aims to promote...
read Sep 16, 2024Stephen Fry’s Latest Take on How to Live Well In the AI Era
The AI revolution and its implications: Stephen Fry, renowned author and technology commentator, offers a compelling perspective on the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence and its potential to reshape society fundamentally. Fry characterizes AI as part of a larger technological convergence, including quantum computing, genomics, and robotics, that he likens to a "tsunami" poised to dramatically alter our world. The author draws parallels between the current AI revolution and past technological shifts, highlighting humanity's historical difficulty in accurately predicting the societal impacts of new innovations. Technological progress and unforeseen consequences: The rapid evolution of AI capabilities has been driven primarily...
read Sep 12, 2024Echelon, Skyfire Merge to Launch AI-Powered Drones for Public Safety and Defense
Groundbreaking merger in drone technology: Skyfire, a public safety drone consulting specialist, has been acquired by Echelon AI, leading to the formation of SkyfireAI, a new entity focused on integrating AI into drone technologies for public safety and global defense applications. Key features of the merger: SkyfireAI will continue to offer Skyfire's existing services, including regulatory support, training, and hardware integration The company will enhance its offerings with AI-driven software to improve response times and situational awareness A major focus will be on drone autonomy, utilizing advanced AI technologies such as generative AI and AI-on-the-edge Leadership and expertise: The leadership...
read Aug 30, 2024Japan’s Record $59B Defense Budget Targets AI and Unmanned Systems
Japan's defense budget request reflects growing regional tensions: Japan's Defense Ministry has sought a record 8.5 trillion yen ($59 billion) budget for 2025, marking the third year of a rapid five-year military buildup plan amid increasing threats from China. Key objectives of the budget request: The budget aims to fortify deterrence on southwestern islands against China's growing military presence in the region It focuses on developing unmanned weapons and AI systems to compensate for the declining number of servicemembers due to Japan's shrinking population The request is part of Japan's plan to double its annual military spending to around 10...
read Aug 12, 2024AI-Powered Drones Enhance Emergency Response in Switzerland
Nokia and Swisscom Broadcast have launched a pioneering Drones-as-a-Service network in Switzerland, leveraging advanced AI and 5G technology to enhance emergency response capabilities and aerial surveillance for public safety agencies. Innovative drone platform: Nokia Drone Networks represents a significant advancement in large-scale aerial surveillance and emergency response technology. The platform is designed to cater to public and commercial operators requiring rapid aerial surveillance capabilities. Drones are housed in ground station boxes strategically placed across Switzerland, allowing for quick deployment and remote control. The system utilizes 5G connectivity to enable beyond visual line of sight control, expanding the operational range and...
read Aug 7, 2024AI-Driven Insurance Raises Privacy Alarms for Homeowners
The growing use of artificial intelligence and aerial surveillance by insurance companies is raising concerns about privacy and fairness for homeowners, as exemplified by one journalist's unexpected encounter with AI-driven policy decisions. AI in insurance underwriting: Travelers Insurance, a major homeowners insurance provider, has been employing advanced technologies to assess property risks, potentially leading to unwarranted policy cancellations and repairs. The company has filed nearly 50 patents related to the use of aerial photography and AI for monitoring customers' roofs. This technology aims to identify potential issues, such as moss growth, that could impact a property's insurability. The practice has...
read Jul 23, 2024AI Startup Raises $16.5M to Streamline Software for Drones and Robots
A new Boston startup using AI for drones and robots: Code Metal, founded by artificial intelligence researchers from MIT Lincoln Laboratory, has raised $16.5 million to develop AI software for hardware like drones, sensors, and robots. Simplifying software development for diverse hardware: Code Metal is building a translation platform that allows developers to write software in common programming languages and quickly adapt it to run on various hardware chips: The startup aims to automate the translation process, potentially cutting out months or years of delay in getting software to work on specific hardware systems. Part of Code Metal's technology relies...
read Jul 20, 2024Researchers Design Tiny Autonomous Drones Inspired by Insects
Researchers from TU Delft have developed an insect-inspired navigation strategy that allows tiny, lightweight robots to autonomously navigate long distances with minimal computation and memory. Key insights from insect navigation: The researchers drew inspiration from how insects like ants visually recognize their environment and combine it with step counting (odometry) to find their way back home: Insects make occasional visual "snapshots" of their surroundings that they can later compare to their current view to minimize differences and navigate back to the snapshot location. By combining visual snapshots with odometry, insects can space out snapshots further apart and still successfully navigate...
read Jul 18, 2024Ukraine Deploys AI Drone Swarms, Reshaping Battlefield and Raising Ethical Questions
Ukraine leverages AI and drone swarms to combat Russian forces: Swarms of AI-powered drones are being developed by Ukrainian tech startups like Vyriy and Swarmer to strike Russian targets and evade signal-jamming attacks in the ongoing war: The drones can be deployed in fleets of dozens flying simultaneously, adapting to each other's movements and completing strikes or surveillance missions with minimal human involvement. Swarmer's AI system plans each drone's movements and behavior, and can predict other drones' actions, potentially managing "hundreds" at a time compared to a human struggling to operate five. AI drones provide key advantages on the battlefield:...
read Jun 26, 2024AI is Reshaping Warehousing: Drones, Robots, and LLMs Transform Supply Chain Efficiency
The era of smart warehouses is upon us as AI transforms the modern supply chain, improving efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Artificial intelligence innovations like autonomous drones, robotic arms, and intelligent human-machine collaboration are revolutionizing the warehousing industry. Autonomous drones enable precise inventory tracking: Maintaining accurate inventory is a critical challenge for warehouses, with traditional manual checks being time-consuming and error-prone. Autonomous drones equipped with advanced cameras, sensors, and spatial AI capabilities are changing the game: These drones can navigate tight warehouse spaces, scan barcodes and RFID tags, and update inventory records in real-time with minimal errors. Vecros' drones leverage computer...
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