June 2024 Edition: Navigating the Drone Frontier

The Swiss Drone Industry Report 2024 highlights the pivotal role of drones in shaping the future economy and society. It details the strengths of Swiss drone companies and the competitiveness of the Swiss drone market, offering comprehensive insights into the industry’s potential to create significant economic opportunities across various regions in Switzerland

Inspired by land snails, a new robotic swarm system improves terrestrial self-reconfigurable robots for unstructured environments. It features two connection modes: a free mode using magnet-embedded tracks for mobility and a strong mode with vacuum suction for stability. This design balances adaptability and secure connections, showcasing potential in outdoor experiments

Astana Hub new Drone Tech Center has been inaugurated. It aims to foster innovation and collaboration in drone technology. The center will support educational programs, showcase advanced drone applications, and facilitate the development of local drone industries. Key stakeholders, including industry experts and government officials, attended the opening event

Insects have long inspired roboticists with their remarkable capabilities, but replicating these traits in robots has proven challenging. Recent advancements from Shanghai Jiao Tong University have led to the creation of JT-fly, an insect-like robot that can crawl, fly, hover, land, and even flip itself over. This breakthrough, detailed in IEEE Robotics and Automation Letters, showcases a robot that weighs just 35 grams, flies at up to 5 meters per second, and operates for up to 8 minutes, marking a significant step towards versatile, disaster-relief-ready robotics

The Defence Research and Development Laboratory (DRDL) - DRDO and Pune-based startup Sagar Defence are developing India's first underwater-launched unmanned aerial vehicles (ULUAVs). These ULUAVs, deployable from submarines, will enhance underwater military capabilities by enabling discreet, autonomous surveillance missions with high endurance and long range, marking a significant milestone in India's defense technology

Pentagon, US Department of Defense, Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy has awarded $984 million in contracts to 49 companies, including Saab, Inc., Anduril Industries, and Microsoft, to develop systems for unmanned surface vehicles. The contracts cover payloads, sensors, and autonomy systems, with completion expected by February 2025 and possible extension to 2030

Canada is bolstering its defense capabilities with the acquisition of SkyGuardian Drones. These advanced drones offer enhanced surveillance and operational flexibility, reinforcing national security. The move highlights Canada’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge technology for improved defense readiness and strategic advantage in various operational scenarios

Spain's new Royal Decree designates ENAIRE as the sole provider of common information services in U-Space airspaces for ten years. Effective 20 days post-publication, UAS operators in urban areas must notify the Ministry of the Interior five days in advance. It enhances safety and efficiency in drone operations

The JARUS Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) v2.5 package is now available, providing a robust methodology for ensuring the safety of specific UAS operations. It includes guidelines, integrity levels, and risk assessments for ground risk, collision risk, and operational safety, enhancing safety protocols and offering a comprehensive framework for UAS assessments

Radical aims to revolutionize high-altitude, solar-powered autonomous aircraft where Facebook's Aquila failed. Utilizing advancements in batteries and solar technology, Radical's ultra-lightweight aircraft can stay aloft indefinitely. The Seattle startup, backed by $4.5 million in seed funding, has successfully tested a demonstrator and plans to scale up within a year

Drone tech startup TechEagle Innovations has raised bridge funding from Navam Capital, Inflection Point Ventures, and others, including Paytm’s Vijay Shekhar Sharma. The funds will expand operations and develop higher payload drones for mid-mile and inter-city deliveries. Founded by IIT-Kanpur alumni, TechEagle aims to enhance logistics with innovative BVLOS drone technology

Almi Invest has invested in FLOX, a company focused on human-wildlife coexistence. The funding will support product development, sales, and market expansion. FLOX Robotics uses autonomous technology with machine learning, robotics, AI, and wildlife behavior research to safely deter wildlife from hazardous areas via drones, trains, or fixed installations

Eurosatory 2024, held from June 17 to 21 in Paris, featured over 2,000 exhibitors from 61 countries and emphasized innovations in defense technology. Highlights included advanced battle tanks, counter-drone systems, AI applications, and significant participation from countries like Saudi Arabia and South Korea. The event underscored the rising demand for weapons and defense solutions

DroneShield Ltd secured a $4.7 million contract from a Swiss government agency for vehicle-based counter-drone systems, integrating advanced AI for detection and mitigation. Designed for convoy and VIP protection, the deal spans payments until Q1 2025. CEO Oleg Vornik lauded the milestone and foresees more orders from this esteemed client

During the Balikatan exercise in Basco, Philippines, the U.S. Army's 1st Multi-Domain Task Force tested Kraus Hamdani Aerospace, Inc. K1000 solar-powered drones and high-altitude balloons. These technologies, part of the Extended Range Sensing and Effects Company, aim to enhance joint and coalition force capabilities in access-denied regions. The exercise ran from April 11 to May 9, 2024

Deloitte with WeRobotics and Flying Labs Namibia conducted a one-year case study to explore strategies that will empower local drone ecosystems globally, emphasizing community engagement, capacity building, and regulatory frameworks. Discover how Flying Labs Namibia and Deloitte's D2international collaborate with @civil aviation Civil Aviation Authorities, presenting a one-year case study on shaping drone ecosystems worldwide

First responders in New York City, including the NYPD and FDNY, are deploying drones equipped with emergency floatation devices at beaches like Rockaway Beach, Queens. These drones can swiftly drop floatation tubes to aid struggling swimmers, providing crucial support in emergencies and enhancing overall safety with aerial surveillance capabilities across the city

Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, has long been plagued by the accumulation of waste left by climbers. With over 6,664 successful summits recorded by 2023, the mountain has become known as the 'world\'s highest garbage dump.' In a groundbreaking initiative, DJI Delivery, in collaboration with 8KRAW and local partners in Nepal, conducted the first-ever drone transportation tests on Everest, aiming to address this environmental crisis by revolutionizing waste management and supply transport at high altitudes

Blue Dart, a leading courier and express package distribution company, has introduced drone deliveries in collaboration with Skye Air Mobility Air. This initiative aims to enhance logistics efficiency and sustainability by offering same-day delivery for e-commerce shipments. Leveraging drone technology, Blue Dart plans to expand coverage across India, catering to growing consumer demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities

Walmart is advancing its service offerings with the integration of drone deliveries via the Walmart app, expanding its InHome service to over 45 million households, and introducing a GenAI-powered shopping assistant. These innovations aim to elevate convenience and customer experience, reinforcing Walmart's position in the competitive retail market

A new partnership between Volatus Aerospace and Mitsubishi Electric US, Inc. is revolutionizing offshore deliveries through advanced drone logistics management. The collaboration promises to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and ensure timely and secure deliveries to remote offshore locations. This innovation marks a significant leap forward in the integration of drone technology into maritime logistics