A battery component innovation could help keep power delivery high when electric aircraft land with low charge, according to a study led by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory with expertise from the University of Michigan.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1721205836855-electric-aviation-featured.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The research provides a solution <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsenergylett.8b02195" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">to a problem identified in 2018</a> in a study led by <a href="https://aero.engin.umich.edu/people/viswanathan-venkat/" target="_blank">Venkat Viswanathan</a>, a professor of aerospace engineering at U-M and a coauthor of the new work published in Joule.&nbsp;“Both takeoff and landing require high power, and landing is more challenging because you’re not fully charged,” Viswanathan said. “To get high power you have to bring all the resistances down. Anything that affects the ability to deliver that power.”The team emphasized that this is distinct from the needs of EV batteries, which mainly need to maintain their ranges.“In an electric vehicle, you focus on capacity fade over time,” said <a href="https://profiles.lbl.gov/232755-youngmin-ko" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Youngmin Ko</a>, a postdoctoral researcher at Berkeley Lab’s <a href="https://foundry.lbl.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Molecular Foundry</a> and lead author of the Joule study. “But for aircraft, it’s the power fade that’s critical—the ability to consistently achieve high power for takeoff and landing.”<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1721205881180-prop-stand-test.jjpg_.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Tested at the single cell level, the new electrolyte developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory maintains the power-to-energy ratio needed to support electric flight for four times longer than conventional batteries. The next step is for 24M to build the cells into a battery and send them for testing them on And Battery Aero’s propeller stand, running the battery through realistic flight missions. And Battery Aero was co-founded by U-M aerospace engineering associate professor Venkat Viswanathan. Image courtesy of And Battery Aero.Both capacity fade and power fade typically occur when lithium ions can no longer move easily in and out of the electrodes. While the key for capacity fade is the quantity of lithium ions that can move between the electrodes, the main factor for power fade is speed. The problem is that corrosion builds up on the electrodes, taking up space that could have housed lithium ions and making it harder for the lithium to reach available spaces.Under the leadership of <a href="https://foundry.lbl.gov/about/staff/brett-a-helms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brett Helms</a>, corresponding author of the study and a senior staff scientist at Berkeley Lab’s Molecular Foundry, the team explored the interactions among the electrodes and electrolyte using an approach borrowed from biology. In studies of life, the field generally called “omics” looks for clues in the constituents of cells—what genes are being read, what proteins are being made, and so on.&nbsp;In this case, the team tried different electrolyte chemistries, looking at subtle changes that occurred within the electrolyte at different locations in the battery during charging and discharging. Prior research has typically attributed power fade to problems arising at the battery’s negative side, as lithium metal is very reactive.&nbsp;However, the team observed that damaging molecules were forming near the positive side—nickel-manganese-cobalt oxide in this case. Reacting with those molecules caused the particles of the positive electrode to crack and corrode over time, hindering the movement of lithium and reducing power delivery.&nbsp;“It was a non-obvious outcome,” Ko said. “We found that mixing salts in the electrolyte could suppress the reactivity of typically reactive species, which formed a stabilizing, corrosion-resistant coating.”The company <a href="https://24-m.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">24M</a> (Cambridge, MA), then built a test cell with this chemistry and sent it to <a href="https://www.and.aero/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">And Battery Aero</a> (Palo Alto, CA)—a startup that Viswanathan co-founded with his former PhD student Shashank Sripad, a co-author of this study and the one from 2018.&nbsp;Sripad tested the cell by repeatedly drawing power from it in a realistic sequence of takeoff, flight and landing, as if the cell were part of a complete battery module powering an electric aircraft. When compared to conventional batteries, the new cell maintained the power-to-energy ratio needed for electric flight for four times longer.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1721205913022-example-electric-aviation-battery.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">The next step is for 24M to build the cells into a full-size aviation battery, like the one pictured, for further testing at And Battery Aero. Image courtesy of And Battery Aero.“Heavy transport sectors, including aviation, have been underexplored in terms of electrification,” Helms said. “Our work redefines what’s possible, pushing the boundaries of battery technology to enable deeper decarbonization.”Next, 24M will build a complete battery that And Battery Aero will test on a propeller stand, running the propeller through the flight sequence repeatedly. Then, next year, the team intends to attempt to perform an electric flight test with those batteries.The team—which includes scientists at the University of California, Berkeley—also plans to expand the use of omics in battery research, exploring the interactions of various electrolyte components to further understand and tailor the performance of batteries for current and emerging use-cases in transportation and the grid.&nbsp;The Molecular Foundry is a DOE Office of Science user facility at Berkeley Lab.This work was supported by DOE’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) and DOE’s Office of Science (Basic Energy Sciences).&nbsp;Viswanathan and Sripad have a financial interest in And Battery Aero.

Borrowing methods from biology, a team of scientists and engineers designed and tested an electrolyte that keeps battery power delivery high, cycle after cycle.

Electric aviation: Batteries that stay strong for the flight duration

<h2 id="isPasted">Stay at the cutting edge of the aerospace industry</h2>We are pleased to have partnered with <a href="https://www.rocelec.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Rochester Electronics</a> to launch the Future-Proofing Aerospace whitepaper.The aerospace industry is continuously evolving, driven by the need to modernize, improve efficiency, and drive down costs. However, as avionics – the electronic systems that power aircraft – continue to advance, the preservation of legacy systems becomes increasingly vital. This whitepaper offers critical insights into the importance of maintaining these systems, the challenges posed by component obsolescence, and the solutions available to navigate these complexities.<h3>Whitepaper highlights:</h3><ol><li>Understand the Importance of Legacy Systems: Discover why preserving legacy avionics systems is crucial for reliability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.</li><li>Navigate Component Obsolescence: Learn about the challenges aerospace designers face due to outdated or discontinued components and how to address them.</li><li>Explore Solutions from Rochester Electronics: Gain insights into how Rochester Electronics specializes in preserving and replicating obsolete components to ensure the continued operation of legacy systems.</li></ol>One of the most pressing threats to the continuity of legacy systems is component obsolescence. Obsolescence occurs when a component is no longer produced, supported, or available from the original manufacturer, rendering it difficult or impossible to procure. This situation poses a significant risk to the ongoing operation and maintenance of aerospace systems, as finding suitable replacements can be challenging and costly.Components can become obsolete for a myriad of different reasons, and often, a confluence of various reasons ultimately renders a component obsolete. Influences such as market trends, technological advancements, and economic pressures all come into play in this unfortunate but unavoidable part of the electronics lifecycle.At Rochester Electronics, we specialize in helping customers navigate the complexities of component obsolescence. Understanding the causes of component obsolescence is necessary for developing effective strategies to mitigate its impact.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzE5NDg1MzQzODczLXJvY2hlc3RlciBtb2NrdXAzLnBuZyIsImVkaXRzIjp7InJlc2l6ZSI6eyJ3aWR0aCI6OTUwLCJmaXQiOiJjb3ZlciJ9fX0=" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib"><iframe width="540" height="820" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAI58ML_0Jkq9ohSSVMrlfZ0o5Eup39aCZcy3V6OAZo33jakOcLECU6nQ3NIK9BP2kTGzF7l86SWC2L2j4CzrX7ON60erda6KYq1u3fkfZlqfqvx3n-tgHoSgZUr9MPV6ZCTY28OxdOhn8Fe0Sr2_Je6Hij8GIv-S5GMMYtVvFfZS2Eb2YYUeZ97JSsuW5lvaTW-dqGZytjXp" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;</iframe><h2 dir="ltr">Tester Platform Evolution</h2>An important aspect of the component manufacturing lifecycle is the testing procedures that confirm product quality and functionality. To this end, component manufacturers employ a variety of specialized testing platforms, which entail complex and expensive equipment. In this context, one of the largest causes of component obsolescence is the obsolescence of the underlying testing platforms.&nbsp;Consider a component first developed in the 1980s. At the time of development, the testing equipment used in the manufacturing process was likely state-of-the-art, meeting the frequency, power, and communication protocol requirements to test the component under test accurately. Fast-forward to today, however, and what was considered state-of-the-art for the testers in the 1980s is likely extremely antiquated.&nbsp;Modern semiconductor devices operate at higher frequencies and lower voltages while employing newly developed communication protocols that didn’t exist in the 1980s[1]. Naturally, a testing platform from antiquity cannot support the testing of new components, and as such, the industry has moved towards newer, more advanced tester platforms. In moving away from legacy tester platforms, the industry also inadvertently pushes legacy components towards obsolescence, as the testing infrastructure needed for manufacturing is no longer supported or economical to maintain. As new tester platforms are often incompatible with legacy components, this incompatibility creates a significant hurdle for maintaining legacy systems. The inability to test these components effectively can lead to increased risks of failures and reduced reliability[2].<h2 dir="ltr">Advances in Silicon Fabrication Processes</h2>In a similar fashion, component obsolescence is often a result of advances in the silicon fabrication processes used for modern components. As semiconductor manufacturers develop more sophisticated and efficient techniques, they introduce new generations of components with enhanced performance, reduced power consumption, and smaller form factors. These new components often lead to the end-of-life (EOL) status for older components because the previous technology cannot compete with the improved capabilities and efficiencies of the new models[3].Additionally, as fabrication processes evolve, the equipment and materials required to manufacture older components become less available, increasing production costs and reducing the economic viability of continuing to produce these outdated parts. Manufacturers are more inclined to shift their resources toward producing newer, more profitable components that align with the latest fabrication technologies.The impact of these advances extends beyond the components themselves. New silicon fabrication processes often necessitate updates in design software, testing protocols, and even supply chain logistics. Companies must adapt their entire ecosystem to accommodate these changes, further accelerating the EOL status of older components incompatible with the new infrastructure.<h2 dir="ltr">Package Obsolescence&nbsp;</h2>Evolution in packaging technology for modern components can often be a driving force in the obsolescence of legacy components[4]. As packaging technologies evolve to meet the demands of modern electronics, such as smaller sizes, better thermal management, and greater power capacity, older packages become less viable, eventually phasing out components that rely on these outdated packages.Packaging advancements are driven by the need for smaller, more efficient, and higher-performing electronic devices. Modern packaging techniques, such as Ball Grid Array (BGA), Chip Scale Package (CSP), and Wafer Level Package (WLP), offer numerous benefits over older methods like Dual In-line Package (DIP) or Small Outline Integrated Circuit (SOIC). These advanced packages enable higher pin counts, better thermal performance, and improved electrical characteristics, all of which are essential for contemporary high-speed and high-density applications.<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzE5NDg2ODc1OTM1LXNodXR0ZXJzdG9ja182OTE1NDg1ODMuanBnIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">When a new packaging technology is introduced, it often leads to the development of new components designed to take full advantage of the improved performance and miniaturization. This shift renders older packages less attractive, as they cannot match the benefits offered by newer technologies. Consequently, components that rely on older packages become obsolete as demand decreases and manufacturers shift their focus to producing components with modern packaging.Moreover, the transition to new packaging technologies can lead to supply chain and manufacturing challenges. Older packaging equipment and materials may become scarce or more expensive to source and maintain, making it economically unfeasible for manufacturers to continue producing components with outdated packages. This economic pressure accelerates the obsolescence of components using older packaging technologies.<h2 dir="ltr">Economic Factors</h2>Manufacturers may discontinue the production of no longer profitable components, particularly if demand has shifted to newer technologies[5]. Like many others, the aerospace industry is subject to market dynamics that influence the availability of components. As newer, more advanced technologies become prevalent, the demand for older components declines, leading to their obsolescence.A notable variable in this equation is the cost inefficiencies associated with producing small quantities of obsolete components, which can be prohibitive for manufacturers. For instance, maintaining production lines for older components requires significant machinery, tooling, and skilled labor investments. These production lines often need specialized equipment and processes tailored to the specific requirements of the legacy components. As these components age, the machinery and tooling needed to produce them may also become obsolete, requiring costly upgrades or replacements.Additionally, sourcing raw materials for obsolete components can present significant challenges. Materials used in older manufacturing processes may no longer be readily available, or their supply may have dwindled, driving up costs. Manufacturers must navigate these supply chain complexities, often dealing with higher prices for limited quantities of materials. This situation can further erode the profitability of producing obsolete components.Given these economic realities, manufacturers often prioritize the production of components with higher demand and better profit margins. Newer technologies attract larger markets due to their improved performance, enhanced capabilities, and greater efficiency. As a result, manufacturers allocate their resources to developing and producing these advanced components, leaving older technologies behind. This shift in focus accelerates the obsolescence of legacy components as manufacturers gradually phase out their production to concentrate on more lucrative opportunities.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>Component obsolescence is a major threat to the preservation of legacy systems. It is important to fully understand its potential causes to best prepare ourselves to handle the challenges arising from it. At Rochester Electronics, we’ve spent decades helping customers navigate the complexities of component obsolescence across all industries. In the next article in this series, we’ll look deeper at the challenges customers encounter when faced with obsolete components.&nbsp;<h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">You can learn more about the future-proofing of the aerospace industry by diving into this insightful whitepaper.</h3><h3>Futureproofing Aerospace Whitepaper Highlights:</h3><ol><li>Understand the Importance of Legacy Systems: Discover why preserving legacy avionics systems is crucial for reliability, compliance, and cost-effectiveness.</li><li>Navigate Component Obsolescence: Learn about the challenges aerospace designers face due to outdated or discontinued components and how to address them.</li><li>Explore Solutions from Rochester Electronics: Gain insights into how Rochester Electronics specializes in preserving and replicating obsolete components to ensure the continued operation of legacy systems.</li></ol><iframe width="540" height="820" src="https://c8056756.sibforms.com/serve/MUIFAI58ML_0Jkq9ohSSVMrlfZ0o5Eup39aCZcy3V6OAZo33jakOcLECU6nQ3NIK9BP2kTGzF7l86SWC2L2j4CzrX7ON60erda6KYq1u3fkfZlqfqvx3n-tgHoSgZUr9MPV6ZCTY28OxdOhn8Fe0Sr2_Je6Hij8GIv-S5GMMYtVvFfZS2Eb2YYUeZ97JSsuW5lvaTW-dqGZytjXp" frameborder="0" scrolling="auto" allowfullscreen="" style="display: block;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;max-width: 100%;" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;</iframe><h3 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">You can learn more about the future-proofing of the aerospace industry by diving into our related article series.</h3><a href="http://The Importance of Preserving Legacy Systems in Avionics" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Article 1: The Importance of Preserving Legacy Systems in Avionics</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/the-causes-of-component-obsolescence" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Article 2: The Causes of Component Obsolescence</a><a href="https://www.wevolver.com/article/customer-challenges-with-obsolete-components" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Article 3: Customer Challenges with Obsolete Components</a><h1 dir="ltr">References</h1><ol><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://saemobilus.sae.org/papers/integrated-test-platforms-taking-advantage-advances-computer-hardware-software-2005-01-1044" target="_blank">https://saemobilus.sae.org/papers/integrated-test-platforms-taking-advantage-advances-computer-hardware-software-2005-01-1044</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7589645" target="_blank">https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7589645</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5388819/" target="_blank">https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/5388819/</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/364/1/012095" target="_blank">https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/364/1/012095</a></li><li dir="ltr"><a href="https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mksc.8.1.35" target="_blank">https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/10.1287/mksc.8.1.35</a></li></ol>

Futureproofing Aerospace Series. Article #2: Understanding the causes of component obsolescence can help us better prepare for it.

The Causes of Component Obsolescence

Drones are integral to military operations globally, especially in high-risk environments where manned flight is impractical. Learn how to integrate sensors into these devices properly. 

Drone PCBAs: Tackling Sensor Integration for Defense & Beyond

Introducing SKYRON 2, the latest innovation in flying robotic inspection explicitly tailored for the non-destructive testing industry. Building upon SKYRON's visual and contact-based inspection tools, SKYRON 2 offers advanced capabilities for comprehensive assessments. Safety during flight operations is prioritized with SKYRON 2. A full product release on SKYRON 2 will happen later this May.

The latest innovation in inspection flying robots explicitly tailored for the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry.

SKYRON 2 Release

<h1 id="isPasted"> </h1><section>When you hear the word “drone,” you likely imagine an airborne device the size of a hat box that uses propellers to fly and is controlled remotely by someone in the immediate vicinity, perhaps in a park or another open area. Recreational drones like these have become increasingly popular in recent years.But if you expand your definition of drones to include all unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), ranging from long-range drones used in military applications, to transport vehicles, to insect-sized drones, their potential applications expand exponentially. Imagine commercial airliners without pilots, drones capable of transporting shipping containers like those now delivered by trucks and ships, or even tiny, dexterous drones that fly into narrow gaps like insects.While there are many obstacles for developers to overcome before these innovations can become a reality, the technology is evolving quickly – much faster than you might expect. This blog discusses where the technology currently stands and where it may go.<h2></h2><h3>High-Capacity Drones: Autonomy and Engine Innovations</h3>Scaling up drones to carry larger payloads, fly at higher altitudes, and travel greater distances presents major challenges for developers. Currently, semi- and fully autonomous large-scale drones (classified as UAVs that can carry a payload of greater than 1320 pounds and operate at altitudes greater than 18,000 feet) are most commonly implemented by military organizations to replace aircraft piloted by human operators.Unlike smaller counterparts that rely on electric motors, larger drones use more robust internal combustion or jet engines. Not just a matter of size scaling, this means enhanced efficiency, reduced weight, and optimized fuel consumption, while also delivering precision control crucial in moving large loads.By removing the human pilot and the various systems needed to support him, most large-scale drones are lighter and are usually built from lighter materials like plastics or carbon fibers. This increases the range of the vehicle. It can also reduce engine weight without compromising strength.This is especially true for high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) drones. HALE drones must stay airborne for extended periods, sometimes days, at various altitudes and temperatures, and are often solar-powered. They are ideally suited for reconnaissance. In 2021, the U.S. Forest Service began testing HALE drones to locate and fight wildfires.However, UAVs that operate at higher altitudes have more difficulty dissipating heat in the thinner atmosphere where they fly. <a href="https://www.macrofab.com/blog/overview-pcba-manufacturing-processes-technologies/" target="_blank">Printed circuit boards</a> for larger UAVs require additional heat transfer and use additional metal to connect to heat sinks to maximize performance at higher altitudes. This must be taken into consideration at the design stage. Simulating heat generation, flow, and dissipation in the development process is a valuable tool for these types of designs.In terms of operational control, remotely piloted ICE (internal combustion engine) or jet aircraft aren’t significantly different from their traditional onboard piloted counterparts. A human operator guides the drone from a station with controls and monitors that are similar to the ones in airplane cockpits while cameras and radar-based imaging systems provide the visuals.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1714573625993-1714573625993.png" alt="Drone carrying package" class="fr-fic fr-dii">“Flying cars,” or “air taxis,” are already a reality, with China approving the first self-driving air taxi late in 2023. <a href="https://www.faa.gov/air-taxis" target="_blank">Similar air taxis are being planned in the USA</a>, though they will initially require a pilot on board for safety.However, a significant hurdle in designing UAVs for human transportation or valuable cargo lies in bridging the information gap. While current sensors can track weather conditions, altitude, and airspeed, they cannot do so with the speed and sensitivity necessary. Onboard pilots can sense subtle changes in an aircraft’s behavior intuitively, a nuance challenging to replicate with sensors. By 2030, 6G wireless networks should significantly alleviate this issue by enabling ultra-low latency and improved data reliability, enhancing sensor responsiveness.Lastly, many UAVs today boast semi-autonomous features like the ability to return to their starting point unaided. Autonomous or semi-autonomous flight software must be capable of dynamically adjusting flight paths in response to changing conditions, akin to how commercial airline pilots maneuver to avoid turbulence. This capability underscores the ongoing evolution and increasing sophistication of UAV technology in adapting to complex operational environments.<h2></h2><h3>Compact Drone Engineering: Revolutionizing Small-Scale UAVs</h3><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1714573626104-1714573626104.png" alt="Compact drone engineering" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Every drone, from super large to shoe-box sized, relies on motors or engines to propel itself. In contrast to making drones larger, which requires increasing their power while reducing their overall weight, making them smaller necessitates removing motors altogether.Using actuators to mimic how an insect flaps its wings plays a role in “micro drone” design. Early versions of this technology used ceramic materials to conduct and store electricity, but their inherent fragility made them unsuitable for repeated use.The most recent innovations implement soft actuators composed of rubber cylinders surrounded by carbon nanotubes. Applying voltage causes the rubber cylinders to expand and contract repetitively and at high frequency (as much as 500 times per second), causing the drone “wings” to flap up and down.These tiny drones, with their soft actuators, are resilient and capable of withstanding mid-air collisions, making them suitable for various tasks, including agricultural monitoring and pollination. Future uses may include structural inspection, search and rescue, surveillance, and data collection.<a href="https://www.macrofab.com/prototyping/" target="_blank">PCB designs</a> for smaller, more malleable devices have to consider factors like weight, rigidity, and resistance to impact and vibration. As in the case of larger UAVs, software simulation to test mechanical reliability in smaller UAVs is a valuable development tool.<h2></h2><h3>The Future of UAVs Great and Small</h3>In the future, UAV commercial passenger flights or large material transport using entirely autonomous flights still have some design challenges to overcome. Regulations, however, are more likely to hinder their long-term progress. Like self-driving cars, the adjustment period will require examining and discussing the risks and rationale of flying without a human pilot, with safety always taking precedence.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1714573626041-1714573626041.png" alt="Uav future" class="fr-fic fr-dii">On a smaller scale, however, UAVs may have more immediate practical applications. With micro drones with cameras that relay images back to a human operator, inspecting intricate mechanisms is possible in small spaces that are otherwise impossible to reach without dismantling the entire mechanism, such as industrial motors or airplane engines. Drones can even be used during natural disasters to locate missing or injured people who cannot be reached by rescue workers.As UAVs shrink and grow, it will alter how we define them. Along with providing previously difficult-to-obtain images and delivering small payloads, UAVs will become a practical and labor-saving alternative to traditional means of transportation, cultivation, and commerce.</section><h3>Need UAV PCBAs Manufactured?</h3><a href="https://www.macrofab.com/pcba/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Check out MacroFab’s PCBA production services</a>

UAV technology continues to expand and become increasingly sophisticated. 

The Future of UAV Design: Very Big and Very Small

To save on fuel and reduce aircraft emissions, engineers are looking to build lighter, stronger airplanes out of advanced composites. These engineered materials are made from high-performance fibers that are embedded in polymer sheets. The sheets can be stacked and pressed into one multilayered material and made into extremely lightweight and durable structures.But composite materials have one main vulnerability: the space between layers, which is typically filled with polymer “glue” to bond the layers together. In the event of an impact or strike, cracks can easily spread between layers and weaken the material, even though there may be no visible damage to the layers themselves. Over time, as these hidden cracks spread between layers, the composite could suddenly crumble without warning.Now, MIT engineers have shown they can prevent cracks from spreading between composite’s layers, using an approach they developed called “nanostitching,” in which they deposit chemically grown microscopic forests of carbon nanotubes between composite layers. The tiny, densely packed fibers grip and hold the layers together, like ultrastrong Velcro, preventing the layers from peeling or shearing apart.In experiments with an advanced composite known as thin-ply carbon fiber laminate, the team demonstrated that layers bonded with nanostitching improved the material’s resistance to cracks by up to 60 percent, compared with composites with conventional polymers. The researchers say the results help to address the main vulnerability in advanced composites.“Just like phyllo dough flakes apart, composite layers can peel apart because this interlaminar region is the Achilles’ heel of composites,” says Brian Wardle, professor of aeronautics and astronautics at MIT. “We’re showing that nanostitching makes this normally weak region so strong and tough that a crack will not grow there. So, we could expect the next generation of aircraft to have composites held together with this nano-Velcro, to make aircraft safer and have greater longevity.”Wardle and his colleagues have <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.3c17333" target="_blank">published their results</a> today in the journal ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. The study’s first author is former MIT visiting graduate student and postdoc Carolina Furtado, along with Reed Kopp, Xinchen Ni, Carlos Sarrado, Estelle Kalfon-Cohen, and Pedro Camanho.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1713566912216-MIT-Nanostitch-02-press.jpg" style="width: 100%px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Nanostitching involves “growing” a forest of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNT) on a wafer of silicon, through a process of chemical vapor deposition. The CNT-deposited wafer (to the left in grid “a”) is then inverted and pressed onto a larger composite ply (b), and lifted away, leaving the CNTs on the composite’s surface (c). A second ply is placed over the first, with the CNTs between, “stitching” the plies together. Image: Courtesy of the researchers<h2>Forest growth</h2>At MIT, Wardle is director of the necstlab (pronounced “next lab”), where he and his group <a href="https://news.mit.edu/2016/carbon-nanotube-stitches-strengthen-composites-0803" target="_blank">first developed</a> the concept for nanostitching. The approach involves “growing” a forest of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes — hollow fibers of carbon, each so small that tens of billions of the the nanotubes can stand in an area smaller than a fingernail. To grow the nanotubes, the team used a process of chemical vapor deposition to react various catalysts in an oven, causing carbon to settle onto a surface as tiny, hair-like supports. The supports are eventually removed, leaving behind a densely packed forest of microscopic, vertical rolls of carbon.The lab has previously shown that the nanotube forests can be grown and adhered to layers of composite material, and that this fiber-reinforced compound improves the material’s overall strength. The researchers had also seen some signs that the fibers can improve a composite’s resistance to cracks between layers.In their new study, the engineers took a more in-depth look at the between-layer region in composites to test and quantify how nanostitching would improve the region’s resistance to cracks. In particular, the study focused on an advanced composite material known as thin-ply carbon fiber laminates.“This is an emerging composite technology, where each layer, or ply, is about 50 microns thin, compared to standard composite plies that are 150 microns, which is about the diameter of a human hair. There’s evidence to suggest they are better than standard-thickness composites. And we wanted to see whether there might be synergy between our nanostitching and this thin-ply technology, since it could lead to more resilient aircraft, high-value aerospace structures, and space and military vehicles,” Wardle says.<h2>Velcro grip</h2>The study’s experiments were led by Carolina Furtado, who joined the effort as part of the MIT-Portugal program in 2016, continued the project as a postdoc, and is now a professor at the University of Porto in Portugal, where her research focuses on modeling cracks and damage in advanced composites.In her tests, Furtado used the group’s techniques of chemical vapor deposition to grow densely packed forests of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. She also fabricated samples of thin-ply carbon fiber laminates. The resulting advanced composite was about 3 millimeters thick and comprised 60 layers, each made from stiff, horizontal fibers embedded in a polymer sheet.She transferred and adhered the nanotube forest in between the two middle layers of the composite, then cooked the material in an autoclave to cure. To test crack resistance, the researchers placed a crack on the edge of the composite, right at the start of the region between the two middle layers.“In fracture testing, we always start with a crack because we want to test whether and how far the crack will spread,” Furtado explains.The researchers then placed samples of the nanotube-reinforced composite in an experimental setup to test their resilience to “delamination,” or the potential for layers to separate.“There’s lots of ways you can get precursors to delamination, such as from impacts, like tool drop, bird strike, runway kickup in aircraft, and there could be almost no visible damage, but internally it has a delamination,” Wardle says. “Just like a human, if you’ve got a hairline fracture in a bone, it’s not good. Just because you can’t see it doesn’t mean it’s not impacting you. And damage in composites is hard to inspect.”To examine nanostitching’s potential to prevent delamination, the team placed their samples in a setup to test three delamination modes, in which a crack could spread through the between-layer region and peel the layers apart or cause them to slide against each other, or do a combination of both. All three of these modes are the most common ways in which conventional composites can internally flake and crumble.The tests, in which the researchers precisely measured the force required to peel or shear the composite’s layers, revealed that the nanostitched held fast, and the initial crack that the researchers made was unable to spread further between the layers. The nanostitched samples were up to 62 percent tougher and more resistant to cracks, compared with the same advanced composite material that was held together with conventional polymers.“This is a new composite technology, turbocharged by our nanotubes,” Wardle says.“The authors have demonsrated that thin plies and nanostitching together have made significant increase in toughness,” says Stephen Tsai, emeritus professor of aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University. “Composites are degraded by their weak interlaminar strength. Any improvement shown in this work will increase the design allowable, and reduce the weight and cost of composites technology.”The researchers envision that any vehicle or structure that incorporates conventional composites could be made lighter, tougher, and more resilient with nanostitching.“You could have selective reinforcement of problematic areas, to reinforce holes or bolted joints, or places where delamination might happen,” Furtado says. “This opens a big window of opportunity.”

This schematic shows an engineered material with composite layers. Layers of carbon fibers (the long silver tubes) have microscopic forests of carbon nanotubes between them (the array of tiny brown objects). These tiny, densely packed fibers grip and hold the layers together, like ultrastrong Velcro, preventing the layers from peeling or shearing apart. Image: Courtesy of the researchers, edited by MIT News

In research that may lead to next-generation airplanes and spacecraft, MIT engineers used carbon nanotubes to prevent cracking in multilayered composites.

"Nanostitches" enable lighter and tougher composite materials

SKYRON is revolutionizing ship inspections by seamlessly conducting ultrasonic and visual testing in a single day,&nbsp;leveraging&nbsp;its advanced capabilities and efficient payload exchange system. This streamlined approach ensures thorough inspections within expedited timelines, which is crucial for ships needing to return to operations swiftly&nbsp;&nbsp;In the video above,&nbsp;SKYRON&nbsp;showcased&nbsp;its ability to navigate through a ship's cargo hold, conducting both ultrasonic thickness measurements and high-definition visual inspections with unparalleled speed and precision. The urgency to complete inspections before a ship's departure underscores the importance of swift yet thorough assessments, a challenge SKYRON meets effortlessly.&nbsp;Equipped with a precision-oriented SONY A7 camera featuring 3x optical zoom, adjustable LED lighting, and a laser pointer for pinpoint accuracy, SKYRON captured detailed visuals of critical areas prone to corrosion. Additionally, the integration of an Olympus 38DL Plus gauge and a robotic arm for ultrasonic readings guaranteed precise measurements within expedited timelines.&nbsp;The streamlined operations&nbsp;facilitated&nbsp;by SKYRON's proprietary&nbsp;Avesoft&nbsp;software allowed for real-time data processing and location tagging,&nbsp;providing&nbsp;immediate&nbsp;insights&nbsp;and ensuring that inspections are completed efficiently. This combination of advanced technology and expedited operations ensures that ship inspections are thorough,&nbsp;accurate, and aligned with the industry's demand for prompt assessments without compromising on quality.&nbsp;With SKYRON's ability to perform dual ultrasonic and visual testing within expedited timelines, the maritime industry can rely on efficient inspections that enable ships to return to operations swiftly and safely.&nbsp;

Witness how SKYRON's advanced tech and rapid testing capabilities revolutionize ship inspections, ensuring thorough assessments in record time for ships returning to operations.

SKYRON: Revolutionizing Ship Inspections with Dual Testing Efficiency

Drone delivery represents a groundbreaking shift in logistics, intertwining technology with the everyday need for fast, efficient package delivery. This innovation has spurred anticipation and speculation about its potential to revolutionize the delivery landscape, promising speed and convenience previously unimaginable. Yet, the path to its realization is paved with challenges and triumphs, reflecting a continuous technological evolution and adaptation journey.<h2 id="isPasted">Historical Barriers to Drone Delivery</h2><h3>Regulatory Challenges</h3>Aviation laws crafted for manned aircraft did not foresee the rise of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has resulted in a regulatory landscape ill-prepared for drones' unique demands and operational characteristics. The variations in these regulations across different countries and regions further complicated the picture. In some areas, strict airspace control and stringent UAV regulations severely limited the operational freedom necessary for commercial drone delivery, leading to a slower pace of adoption and innovation.These regulations often required extensive navigation through bureaucratic channels, delaying pilot programs and full-scale implementations. The struggle to fit the square peg of drone delivery into the round hole of traditional aviation regulations has been a defining aspect of its early development stages.<h3>Technical Limitations</h3>In their nascent stages, drones were plagued by restricted battery life, limiting their range and endurance. Early navigation systems were rudimentary, lacking the sophistication needed for precise, reliable delivery operations. Payload capacity was another critical issue, as initial drones could carry only minimal weight, rendering them impractical for most commercial delivery applications. Control mechanisms were also in their infancy, lacking the advanced features necessary for smooth and autonomous operation in varied environments.These technical barriers impeded the practical application of drone delivery and posed questions about the reliability and efficiency of such a system in a real-world logistics scenario. Overcoming these hurdles required concerted efforts in research and development, pushing the boundaries of what was technically feasible.<h3>Safety and Privacy Concerns</h3>Safety and privacy concerns were at the forefront of drone delivery during the initial phases. Many people within the public and regulation boards were apprehensive of drones, envisioning only how they could lead to accidents and injuries rather than looking at the benefits. With fears of malfunctioning systems leading to collision damage and privacy concerns around unwarranted surveillance and intrusion, it was clear drones had obstacles to pass before they would be widely adopted.These concerns were not untrue, as early models definitely lacked the sophisticated safety and privacy protocols that are now in development. This apprehension was critical in shaping public perception and regulatory attitudes toward drone delivery, often resulting in more stringent controls and slower adoption rates.<h3>Economic Viability</h3>Finally, the economic viability of drone delivery technology was a significant barrier to its adoption. The initial investment required for developing and deploying drones, especially given their technical and regulatory limitations, was substantial. Businesses and investors questioned whether its promised efficiency and speed could justify the cost of implementing a drone delivery system.There were concerns about the return on investment, especially in uncertain regulatory environments and unproven technology. This economic skepticism was a major hurdle for early adopters and innovators in the field, who had to refine the technology and demonstrate its cost-effectiveness in a competitive logistics market.<ins cite="mailto:Jessica%20Miley" datetime="2024-02-27T08:42"><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA5ODE2MzA2NjgxLWRyb25lMi5wbmciLCJlZGl0cyI6eyJyZXNpemUiOnsid2lkdGgiOjk1MCwiZml0IjoiY292ZXIifX19" style="width: 768px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">A drone launches from drone delivery company, Zipline's California-based test facility By Roksenhorn</ins><h2> Technological Advances Overcoming Past Barriers</h2><h3>Advancements in Battery and Energy Efficiency</h3>One of the most significant drone technology strides has been battery and energy efficiency. Recent breakthroughs in battery technology have resulted in dramatic improvements in both the energy density and longevity of drone batteries. The result? Longer flight durations and extended operational ranges. This overcomes one of the primary limitations of early drone models.&nbsp;The addition of alternative energy sources like solar power and hybrid systems has also opened up new possibilities for extended flight times. With these advancements, drones have become more practical for a wider range of delivery routes, including remote locations and those that require lengthier journeys.<h3>Navigation and Autonomy</h3>The integration of advanced GPS and more sophisticated obstacle detection systems has revolutionized navigation and autonomy for drones. With their state-of-the-art navigation systems, drones are able to precisely and reliably navigate complex and dynamic environments.&nbsp;The systems have the ability to process vast amounts of data, allowing them to navigate around obstacles and adapt to changing conditions with ease. This results in a more autonomous delivery system that can operate successfully with minimal human interaction, therefore reducing potential human error and increasing efficiency.<h3>Safety Mechanisms</h3>The industry has responded to safety concerns by developing systems with advanced collision avoidance along with redundant design features. Drones have safety sensors and software that allow them to detect and avoid obstacles. They also have fail-safe protocols that kick in during emergencies along with robust structural designs to enhance durability. These improvements have played an important role in mitigating the risks of accidents and malfunctions while bolstering the public and regulatory trust in drone systems.<h3>Scalability Solutions</h3>With drone technology continuing to advance, scalability is becoming increasingly prevalent. Drone delivery is becoming more economically viable thanks to mass production and technological refinement. Advancements in the design and manufacturing of drones have led to cost reductions and improvements in their operational efficiency have increased the drone delivery value proposition. This scalability is an essential component of drones becoming widely adopted and transforming the logistics and package delivery landscape.<h2>Current State of Drone Delivery Technology</h2><h3>Latest Drone Models</h3>The landscape of drone delivery technology is characterized by a diverse range of models, each designed for specific delivery tasks. Compact and lightweight drones are being used for small parcel delivery. You’ll find them in urban areas where their agility and small size allow for efficient navigation through tight spaces.Meanwhile, large drones are equipped to transport heavier weights over long distances. This showcases the versatility of drone technology in various delivery scenarios. Take, for example, the newest Prime Air drones, which are set to operate in select UK and Italian cities along with three U.S. locations by the end of 2024. The MK30, Prime Air's latest model, has been introduced as a notable addition to their fleet. This model stands out for its unique design and capabilities, positioning it as a frontrunner in package delivery drones.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Oy4GALqZlHA?&amp;feature=youtu.be&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe><h3>Infrastructure Integration</h3>The integration of drone delivery into existing logistics networks has marked an enormous leap in technology’s practical application. It takes a multifaceted approach, adapting to the current infrastructure and developing new systems designed specifically for UAV operations.&nbsp;Logistics companies are experimenting with various models to accommodate drone delivery. This includes drone-friendly warehouses, dedicated air corridors for flights, and specialized launch and recovery systems. These adaptations allow drones to work to complement traditional delivery methods toward the goal of creating a hybrid system that offers greater efficiency and flexibility.<h3>Consumer Interaction</h3>A critical aspect of the current state of drone delivery technology is its interaction with consumers. Innovative solutions for end-point delivery include secure drop-off points where packages can be safely deposited for customer retrieval. There’s also precision landing technology to allow drones to deliver packages accurately to specific locations, whether than be in the backyard or any designated receiving area.&nbsp;Customer interaction systems have also been developed to provide notifications and tracking options to enhance the overall user experience. The combination of these technologies addresses concerns around security and convenience while also recognizing the importance of customer experience within the broader adoption of drone delivery services.<h2>The Future of Drone Delivery</h2><h3>Expanded Regulatory Frameworks</h3>Regulatory frameworks are anticipated to evolve alongside maturing drone delivery. We can expect future regulations to be more finely tuned in accordance with the unique nature of drone operations. This will facilitate a more supportive environment for widespread use by developed nuanced airspace management systems. These systems will allow drones to operate safely alongside traditional aircraft while minimizing disruptions to air traffic.We can also expect safety standards specifically tailored to UAV operations to address the unique risks and operational characteristics. These changes will promote a safer and more efficient integration of drones into the logistics ecosystem and provide clearer guidelines for enterprises utilizing them.<h3>Next-Gen Technology</h3>Technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), are set to redefine drone delivery even further in the coming years. AI enables drones to make complex decisions independently, adapt to changing environments with more effectiveness, and improve their overall navigation capabilities. This could include advanced coordination in swarm deliveries, dynamic route optimization in real-time, and improved interactions with customers.&nbsp;<h3>Market Integration</h3>We’re on the cusp of drone delivery becoming a standard feature among various sectors beyond parcel delivery. In health care, for example, drones offer the potential for rapid and timely delivery of medical supplies. That could be emergency medications, blood products, or anything directly impacting patient care. In the food industry, drones could revolutionize how we receive our meals, offering faster and more efficient delivery services than traditional methods. The flexibility and speed of drones make them particularly suited for urgent or time-sensitive deliveries across many market segments.<h3>Global Impact</h3>The global impact could be particularly profound. The most significant benefit is the potential for enhanced access to goods and services. This is especially important in remote areas where traditional delivery methods are less efficient or even unavailable. This will lead to greater equity in distribution along with improved access to essential items.Drone delivery presents the prospect of substantial environmental benefits by replacing or supplementing traditional delivery vehicles. They can help to reduce carbon emissions and traffic congestion, contributing to a far more sustainable urban environment.<h2>Conclusion</h2>Drone delivery technology is a pivotal point, poised to transform the logistics industry fundamentally. Its evolution, overcoming initial barriers through continuous innovation, heralds a future where efficiency, speed, and convenience are paramount. As this technology progresses, it will reshape how we receive packages and exemplify the enduring importance of innovation in driving future progress.

Drone delivery represents a significant technological advancement in logistics.

Looking Up for Your Packages: The Evolution and Future of Drone Delivery Technology

Unmanned and autonomous vehicles have revolutionised mobility and the evolving passenger car market, driving billions of dollars in investments to the sector. Even after a series of setbacks in customer adoption, everyone agrees that the future of robotics in autonomous vehicles is bright. It has a massive potential to transform the transportation industry by generating hundreds of billions of dollars and creating massive job opportunities.&nbsp;But the influence of unmanned and autonomous vehicles (UAVs) isn't limited to roads alone. Space missions, environmental monitoring, surveillance security and infrastructure monitoring are some UAVs’ applications. Despite their live-changing uses, the lack of interoperability between these advanced mobile techs and their disparate platforms poses a significant challenge to future adoption, hindering multi-vehicle, multi-domain missions.<h1 dir="ltr">Interoperability: Enabling Swarm Intelligence</h1>For UAVs, interoperability is defined as a system's capability to work with other systems based on standards or reference models. This concept is crucial for connecting multiple platforms into a coordinated vehicle network, commonly called swarms. Swarms refer to a herd of autonomous vehicles that function as a single unit. Swarms represent the next level in autonomous vehicle technology, as they can multiply the benefits in coverage, time, efficiency, and resolution. Its practical uses are experimented with in firefighting, parcel deliveries, and disaster response. These advantages, however, are only possible if every element of the swarm works in harmony.&nbsp;<img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA5MDI2OTIxODA4LTE3MDkwMjY5MjE4MDgucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="624" height="475" class="fr-fic fr-dii">Quadcopter drone. Image credit:<a href="https://dronebotworkshop.com/category/drone/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">&nbsp;DroneBotWorkshop</a>The above would mean that interoperability trends must focus on better coordination among diverse robot fleets. These swarm-enabling technologies must be functional to make factors like task delegation, path planning, and autonomous communications among these UAVs seamless. This is what recent fleet management software advancements aim to achieve, enhancing communication between unmanned vehicles (UAVs) and enabling simultaneous control.&nbsp;In different UAV manufacturing sectors, the goals could be different. For example, robot-to-robot partnerships aim for cross-manufacturer cooperation in disaster relief and environmental monitoring. Cloud robotics integrates cloud computing, improving scalability and data exchange for multi-UAV systems. Integrating AI and ML equips UAVs with autonomous decision-making abilities, aiding adaptability and effective communication with other systems in dynamic scenarios.<h2 dir="ltr">Interoperability Trends</h2>The latest trends in interoperability focus on getting UAVs to work together seamlessly. Imagine a team of different robots, like drones, working in sync. Advancements in software design can help them communicate and be controlled simultaneously, regardless of their manufacturer. Another trend is UAVs that can autonomously communicate or 'talk' to each other, for example, teaming to handle disaster management or environmental tasks. Cloud computing is being integrated into robotics to further increase operations and data exchange scalability. Moreover, with the latest advances in AI and ML, UAVs and robots are being introduced to autonomous thinking to provide more efficacious responses in real-time scenarios.One of the primary challenges in achieving interoperability is the development of standardised communication protocols and data-sharing mechanisms. Conducting research, developing standards, and designing frameworks is essential to ensure seamless data exchange and coordination among various systems, allowing them to operate effectively as a cohesive unit.<h1 dir="ltr">Welcoming Standards</h1>Like every new technology, unmanned vehicles require regulations and standards to control and integrate their operations into the existing transportation frameworks. In light of its growing popularity, governments worldwide are currently working on devising regulations and creating standard scenarios for UAV operations.&nbsp;Standardisation is crucial for autonomous vehicles, like drones used in disaster relief and environmental tasks. It makes operations safe and reliable and helps different drones work together smoothly. This way, accidents are reduced, and coordination is improved. It also helps follow the rules set by governments, ensuring responsible and legal use.Standardisation and regulations will also aid in developing UAVs, ensuring that they are built to last, tested, and utilised in a way that complies with safety requirements. These regulations will also influence the design, deployment, and operation of swarm-enabling technology - a combination of hardware and software that allow multi-robot platforms to perform responsive swarming. The technology is just as important as the hardware used in creating these UAVs, as it is the main controlling agent between the swarm commander and the vehicles in the swarm. So, these technologies would be under even more intense scrutiny as the situations in which these UAVs would be used in are likely to be intense.&nbsp;<h1 dir="ltr">Challenges And Solutions To Greater Uav Use</h1>The absence of standardised protocols presents a significant hurdle: UAVs from different makers cannot collaborate effectively. This lack of compatibility hampers the engineering aspects of missions involving multiple vehicles and domains. It also obstructs the advantageous prospect of integrating diverse UAVs into a synchronised network. Consider large-scale search and rescue efforts, where numerous UAV swarms, sourced from various suppliers and groups, must cooperate seamlessly. Comparable scenarios arise in endeavours such as maritime cleanup, environmental monitoring, and delivery operations.Another issue arises when a UAV communicating with one remote pilot station needs to shift communications to another station. Situations like these require new standards and technologies that are not traditionally included in older regulations. The primary and most crucial step towards interoperability is establishing unified standards for UAVs. Nations around the world have recognised this need, and they are gradually integrating standards and scenarios for UAVs into existing transportation laws. Moreover, a cross-domain command, control, and communications paradigm for heterogeneous unmanned vehicle operations must be established. This paradigm should connect platforms across manufacturers, architectures, and interfaces, enabling seamless communication and coordination between various systems.Collaborative research and development efforts, establishing partnerships between industry, academia, and government agencies, investment in interoperability research, and training and education in this domain will be essential for addressing the technical challenges associated with interoperability.These solutions are expected to reduce the costs and complexity of unmanned systems drastically, minimise compatibility issues, lead to successful cross-domain missions, and encourage collaboration and technology development. Greater interoperability is also expected to enhance the operational capabilities of individual UAV systems.<h1 dir="ltr">Advanced Navigation and Interoperability</h1><img src="https://images.wevolver.com/eyJidWNrZXQiOiJ3ZXZvbHZlci1wcm9qZWN0LWltYWdlcyIsImtleSI6ImZyb2FsYS8xNzA5MDI2OTIyOTk1LTE3MDkwMjY5MjI5OTUucG5nIiwiZWRpdHMiOnsicmVzaXplIjp7IndpZHRoIjo5NTAsImZpdCI6ImNvdmVyIn19fQ==" width="624" height="416" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><a href="https://www.advancednavigation.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Advanced Navigation</a> is a leading provider of inertial navigation systems and GNSS solutions. The company operates in various industries, including aerospace &amp; defense, maritime, robotics &amp; unmanned vehicles, automotive, and mining. They offer advanced solutions aimed at enhancing the performance of autonomous systems through precise navigation and localisation technologies, making them suitable for applications like drone swarming, precision agriculture, and autonomous vehicles.Addressing the issue of interoperability in uncrewed vehicle technology, Advanced Navigation recently unveiled <a href="https://www.cloudgroundcontrol.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cloud Ground Control </a>(CGC), an innovative SaaS product aimed to reshape how multiple users, vehicles, and domains can efficiently collaborate seamlessly across air, land, sea, and space operations.CGC is designed to streamline the control and coordination of uncrewed vehicles, allowing pilots and mission planners to oversee a swarm of drones remotely via a simple web browser interface. This platform enables users to manage multi-vehicle operations, access real-time video feeds and telemetry, and efficiently manage collected data. However, what truly sets CGC apart is its capability to run sophisticated AI algorithms directly in the cloud. This enables functionalities like real-time object detection, tracking, classification, and thermal imaging, providing invaluable situational awareness during unfolding events.One key application of CGC is in search and rescue operations, emergency response, and disaster relief scenarios. By offering complete visibility and control over unmanned vehicles in critical situations, CGC assists in making timely and informed decisions, ultimately saving lives and resources. Furthermore, the cloud-based nature of CGC ensures that essential data and processing power are accessible from anywhere, enhancing operational flexibility.Advanced Navigation recently launched the CGConnect cellular micro-modem. This device utilises 4G/5G networks to connect UAVs and robotic vehicles to the CGC platform. CGConnect enables live streaming, remote command and control, and AI-powered data analysis through a web browser. It serves as a bridge, securely connecting vehicles regardless of their manufacturer or model, effectively creating a unified autonomous fleet capable of functioning across different domains.To maintain interoperability among various autonomous vehicles, CGConnect is designed with adherence to industry standards. The platform operates as an open environment, unrestricted by the constraints of manufacturer-specific software. This feature unlocks a world of possibilities for enterprises seeking to manage diverse autonomous vehicles within their fleets. High-grade safeguards against data breaches and vulnerabilities and compliance obligations are maintained, allowing users to operate confidently within established regulations. The integration of edge AI further enhances CGConnect's capabilities, enabling intensive object identification and classification directly on the vehicle, a crucial feature for dynamic missions.<h1 dir="ltr">Future Challenges And Opportunities</h1>The major foreseeable challenges in interoperability lie with cybersecurity, scalability, cross-domain standardisation, integration of legacy systems, and customisation and flexibility of UAV systems. Increased connectivity and data exchange will make systems more prone to hacking. Hence, robust data security systems will be essential. Scalability concerns will arise as the number of UAVs grows, and managing and coordinating swarms will become more complex. Other challenges include adopting the same standards across different industries and integrating them into legacy systems. Lastly, with an increased demand for standardisation, it will become difficult for manufacturers to add customisation and innovation to their products.<h1 dir="ltr">Conclusion</h1>As autonomous unmanned vehicles (UAVs) shape the future of uncrewed expeditions, the keys to unlocking their full potential lie in advanced interoperability, autonomy, and command systems. Realisation of such advanced systems requires standardised communication protocols, ingenious data-sharing mechanisms, and collective endeavours by stakeholders. Amid this crescendo, Advanced Navigation's Cloud Ground Control (CGC) emerges as a pioneering solution to interoperability in UAV systems by transcending limitations and creating an open platform for diverse vehicles. With the integration of AI, ML, and cloud computing, CGC propels UAV operations towards a new era of collaborative and enhanced capabilities, carving a brighter horizon for the domain of autonomous vehicles.This article was contributed by Philemon Mayor and Fatima Khalid.<h2 dir="ltr" id="isPasted">References</h2>ASTM, 2022.&nbsp;Standard Specification for UAS Traffic Management (UTM) UAS Service Supplier (USS) Interoperability.&nbsp;[Online]. Available at:&nbsp;https://www.astm.org/f3548-21.htmlInteroperability Definition. Available at: https://www.techtarget.com/searchapparchitecture/definition/interoperability#:~:text=Interoperability%20refers%20to%20the%20degree,transmission%20and%20cross%2Dorganizational%20collaborationEU, 2017. Deployable SAR Integrated Chain with Unmanned Systems. [Online]. Available at: <a href="https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/92979-unmanned-vehicles-to-the-rescue" target="_blank">https://cordis.europa.eu/article/id/92979-unmanned-vehicles-to-the-rescue</a>EU, 2018.&nbsp;Smart UNattended airborne sensor Network for detection of vessels used for cross-border crime and irregular entry.&nbsp;[Online]. Available at:&nbsp;https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/313243Intelligence, M., 2022.&nbsp;Mordor Intelligence.&nbsp;[Online]. Available at:&nbsp;https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/unmanned-systems-marketKim Mathiassen, F. E. S. P. B. A. T. G. D. C. M. B. J. G. R. K. T. N. J. R. J. P. a. A. V., 2021. Demonstrating interoperability between unmanned ground systems and command and control systems.&nbsp;International Journal of Intelligent Defence Support Systems,&nbsp;pp. 100-129.LSTS, 2015.&nbsp;SEAGULL.&nbsp;[Online]. Available at:&nbsp;https://lsts.fe.up.pt/project/seagullMassRobotics, 2021. Autonomous Mobile Robot Standards Published by MassRobotics. [Online] Available at: https://www.massrobotics.org/autonomous-mobile-robot-standards-published-by-massrobotics/

Swarm of micro air vehicles create a network (SMAVNET)

Unmanned and autonomous vehicles are transforming mobility across various sectors by attracting significant investment and promising economic growth, despite challenges in interoperability and customer adoption.

The Future of Unmanned And Autonomous Vehicles: Advanced Interoperability, Autonomy, And Command & Control Systems

Climate change is a pressing global challenge with severe consequences for ecosystems, economies, and societies. Human activities in the past decades have led to an unprecedented increase in greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating global warming and its destructive effects. Today, scientists across various technological domains are exploring ways to combat climate change and prevent the earth from a scorching future. Uncrewed vehicles have emerged as a promising solution to the managing climate change and expediting human efforts in containing its damaging effects.&nbsp;Uncrewed vehicles are autonomous machines operating without a human pilot or operator, and they come in various forms, such as aerial, ground, and marine. Applications of uncrewed vehicles in industries like agriculture, forestry, ocean monitoring, and disaster response can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, conserve energy, and protect natural resources by reducing or replacing other technologies that have high carbon emissions. Drone technology is already being used in innovative ways around the world to combat climate change, by providing cheaper and more effective ways to document, monitor and tackle it. &nbsp;This article explores uncrewed vehicles and their role in combating climate change. The discussion focuses on the role of these vehicles in different industries, the challenges and limitations associated with their deployment, and their future in the fight against climate change.<h2 dir="ltr">What are Uncrewed Vehicles?</h2>Uncrewed vehicles, or autonomous vehicles, are machines operating without direct human intervention. They rely on sensors, artificial intelligence, and control systems for navigation and task completion with minimal human input. Autonomy is achieved by combining technologies like computer vision, machine learning, and advanced control systems, enabling the vehicle to perceive its environment and make decisions based on data.<h3 dir="ltr">Monitoring and conservation</h3>Uncrewed vehicles are increasingly being used for environmental monitoring and conservation efforts. These vehicles are equipped with various sensors to collect data on a number of natural parameters including air, water and soil quality, temperature, and animal and marine life. This data is then analyzed through AI to form conservation strategies, track the movement of endangered species, and identify areas of high pollution. Uncrewed vehicles also have the potential to protect ecosystems by reducing the pollution generated by conventional transportation activities. For example, uncrewed vessels can replace manned ships for tasks such as oceanographic surveys, oil spill cleanups, and environmental monitoring, reducing emissions and the risk of accidental pollution. Similarly, using aerial drones in place of surface vehicles can reduce carbon emissions and provide greater movement.Drones are already being utilized globally for environmental monitoring and conservation. This is demonstrated by scientists of Imperial College London who have designed drones that can attach sensors to trees to monitor environmental and ecological changes in forests (1); in Costa Rica, drones have been used to monitor tree degradation and the impact of illegal logging (2); and Dendra Systems, a start-up from Oxford is using aerial drones to plant trees with an aim of achieving up to 100,000 trees a day at abandoned mines in Australia, and mangroves forests in Myanmar (3).&nbsp;<h3>Transportation and emissions</h3>Transportation is the fastest growing source of emissions worldwide, and accounts for 17% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Since 1990, transport emissions have grown at an annual average rate of nearly 1.7%, faster than any other sector (4). In order to achieve the target of zero net emissions by 2050, innovative ways of reducing these emissions will have to be adopted.&nbsp;Drones present a promising technology to assist in bringing these emissions down while still carrying out transportation activities. Uncrewed vehicles, particularly drones, and small ground vehicles, often use electric propulsion systems, which produce zero tailpipe emissions. As technology advances, electric propulsion becomes feasible for larger vehicles, like the autonomous electric cargo ship, Yara Birkeland, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 90%&nbsp;(5).Fueled partly by the pandemic, uncrewed vehicle industry has made rapid advances in the past few years. Improvements in battery storage and reductions in costs have resulted in drones that can fly much longer distances, while advances in automation and AI have made it possible to develop drones that can communicate and deliver payloads effectively. Many nations are currently working on regulations governing drone usage and it is only a matter of time before drone technology can replace a proportion of delivery traffic and the associated carbon footprint. It will also create many new opportunities for organizations to boost productivity and efficiency while protecting the planet.An example of a zero impact uncrewed vehicles is the Wave Glider by Liquid Robotics (6). This autonomous surface vehicle is used for ocean conservation and is powered by a combination of solar and wave energy, enabling it to conduct long-duration ocean monitoring missions with minimal environmental impact. Vehicles such as the wave glider can be designed with environmental monitoring sensors to detect various marine parameters.<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1704889524163-drone2.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Figure 1: Liquid Robotics’ Wave Glider UMV works using solar and tidal energy and can be equipped with sensors to collect marine data (6).Smart transportation systems integrate uncrewed vehicles with existing infrastructure, optimizing routes, reducing travel times, and minimizing energy consumption. They also facilitate renewable energy sources' integration into the charging infrastructure for electric uncrewed vehicles.<h2 dir="ltr">Disaster Response and Recovery</h2>Uncrewed vehicles are increasingly being utilized in disaster response and recovery operations, providing valuable support to emergency responders and relief agencies. Drones can quickly survey disaster-affected areas, providing high-resolution imagery and data to help assess damage, locate survivors, and plan rescue operations. This rapid assessment capability can save lives by enabling first responders to prioritize their efforts and allocate resources more efficiently.A real-life example of uncrewed vehicles in disaster response and recovery is the use of drones by humanitarian organizations such as the Red Cross. In the aftermath of natural disasters, drones have been deployed to assess damage, deliver aid, and support search and rescue operations. For instance, during the 2015 Nepal earthquake, drones were used to provide aerial imagery of the affected areas, helping to guide relief efforts and assess the extent of the damage (7).<h2 dir="ltr">Cloud Ground Control: Making drone fleet management more accessible&nbsp;</h2>As we have explored in this article, uncrewed vehicles are playing a pivotal role in the global effort to combat climate change. From monitoring forests and oceans to aiding in disaster relief, these autonomous technologies are proving to be invaluable assets in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preserving our natural environment. Their diverse applications in various sectors showcase the potential for significant, positive environmental impacts.Traditionally, high-quality drone technology was the preserve of well-funded corporations or government entities. However, the software package, <a href="https://www.cloudgroundcontrol.com/" target="_blank">Cloud Ground Control</a>, serves as a catalyst in democratizing drone technology. The product lowers the barrier to entry of drone fleet management, allowing smaller organizations, local governments, and even community groups to deploy drone fleets for various purposes. This accessibility means that more players can contribute to climate change mitigation efforts, bringing diverse perspectives and solutions.CGC enables pilots and mission commanders to configure, monitor, and manage multiple autonomous drones and robots securely. These fleets can be used in the applications mentioned above to tackle climate change.In conclusion, uncrewed vehicles are not just futuristic concepts; they are current, active participants in the fight against climate change. As technology advances and their applications expand, these vehicles will continue to be integral in shaping a sustainable future, demonstrating the power of innovation in addressing some of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.<h3 dir="ltr">References</h3>1. &nbsp; &nbsp;Brogan C. Drones that patrol forests could monitor environmental and ecological changes | Imperial News | Imperial College London [Internet]. Imperial News. 2020 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/207653/drones-that-patrol-forests-could-monitor/2. &nbsp; &nbsp;Lane K. Unmanned crop monitoring helps small farmers in Costa Rica [Internet]. Springwise. 2022 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.springwise.com/innovation/agriculture-energy/drones-help-small-farmers/3. &nbsp; &nbsp;Dendra Systems. Dendra | Restoration Ecology &amp; Ecosystem Services and Management [Internet]. Dendra Systems. [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://dendra.io/4. &nbsp; &nbsp;IEA. Transport – Analysis [Internet]. Paris; 2022 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.iea.org/reports/transport5. &nbsp; &nbsp;Yara Birkeland | Yara International [Internet]. Yara None. 2021 [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.yara.com/news-and-media/media-library/press-kits/yara-birkeland-press-kit/6. &nbsp; &nbsp;The Wave Glider | How It Works [Internet]. Liquid Robotics. [cited 2023 May 14]. Available from: https://www.liquid-robotics.com/wave-glider/how-it-works/7. &nbsp; &nbsp;Armed with drones, aid workers seek faster response to earthquakes, floods. Reuters [Internet]. 2016 May 16 [cited 2023 May 14]; Available from: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-humanitarian-summit-nepal-drones-idUSKCN0Y7003

A look at uncrewed vehicles' role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions with examples for forestry, ocean monitoring, and disaster relief. 

How Uncrewed Vehicles are Assisting in Combating Climate Change

For drones to save lives in search and rescue missions, or even reliably deliver our packages, they need to navigate dynamic environments without accident. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have had success steering through open spaces time and time again, but the unpredictability of moving obstacles has been a challenge, especially in indoor environments with no GPS signals. <a href="https://engineering.cmu.edu/directory/bios/shimada-kenji.html" target="_blank">Kenji Shimada</a> and his students leaned into this problem to develop new technology that enables autonomous flights in indoor dynamic environments.The novel technologies, drone navigation and obstacle avoidance, and dynamic obstacle tracking and mapping, were put to the test last winter. Shimada’s drones were tasked with navigating an active Japanese tunnel construction site while avoiding collisions with moving human workers as part of a project sponsored by industry partners, Toprise Co., Ltd. and Obayashi Corporation.“Companies have recognized that young people don’t want to do dangerous, physical work anymore, so they are investing in robotics to fill the gap,” explained Shimada, a professor of <a href="https://www.meche.engineering.cmu.edu/index.html" rel="noopener" target="_blank">mechanical engineering</a>.<iframe width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9LMKzsmAAqA?&amp;wmode=opaque&amp;rel=0&amp;enablejsapi=1&amp;origin=https://www.wevolver.com" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" class="fr-draggable" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</iframe>Shimada’s drones were able to measure the 3D geometry of the excavation front of the tunnel. This information, when compared to design data, tells builders what parts of the tunnel are complete and what parts need to be scaled further, without putting people at risk.“To our knowledge, this is the first time 3D scanning with an autonomous drone has been done in dynamic, under-construction tunnel environments,” said Zhefan Xu, the lead Ph.D. student of the drone project.In order to predict the path of moving objects, like people at work in the tunnel, the team introduced the first real-time system that uses a 3D hybrid map to account for the static environment while simultaneously tracking dynamic obstacles. With this technology, the team refined their previous algorithm to account for the real-time planning required by in-motion drones to prevent collisions. The combination system allows the drones to approximate where a collision may occur and prevent it.<blockquote>I think that this technology will have a large impact on improving the safety of workers on construction sites.<cite>Kenji Shimada<cite id="isPasted">Professor<cite>, Mechanical Engineering</cite></cite> </cite></blockquote>“The idea for this project stemmed from a scene in a sci-fi movie where a robot flew around inspecting an underground structure. After a decade of research on drones and three years on this project, I’m excited that we’ve made it a reality. I think that this technology will have a large impact on improving the safety of workers on construction sites,” said Shimada. This research was presented at the 2023 International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) organized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Novel drone navigation technology developed by Kenji Shimada was put to the test in an active Japanese tunnel construction site, enabling drones to approximate where a collision may occur and prevent it.

Drones CAN navigate dynamic environments

The German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt; DLR) and the EUROCONTROL Maastricht Upper Area Control Centre (MUAC) have jointly demonstrated that long-lasting contrails can be avoided by slightly changing flight altitudes. The procedure that was tested is an important step towards significantly reducing the climate impact of aviation in the long term. The results have now been published in the journal 'Meteorologische Zeitschrift' (in English).In 2021, there was considerably less air traffic than in previous years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A research team led by Robert Sausen from the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dlr.de/en/pa" target="_blank">DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics</a> and Rüdiger Ehrmanntraut from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.eurocontrol.int/muac" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">MUAC</a> used this situation for analyses in the upper airspace over north-west Germany and the Benelux countries.The 'avoidance' procedure was used every alternate day, when the weather forecast for the flight altitudes used by regular air traffic suggested that long-lasting contrails would form. The flights were diverted up or down by 2000 feet (approximately 660 metres). The researchers then used satellite images to check whether or not long-lasting contrails had formed. The flights on the days when air traffic was not subject to the procedure served as a reference. The research team was able to show that long-lasting contrails occurred less frequently.<h2>Avoiding the climate impact of contrails</h2>The overall climate impact of aviation is significantly greater than its carbon dioxide emissions alone. This is due to what are referred to as non-carbon-dioxide effects. These are comparatively large in the case of air transport. The reason for this is that aircraft usually emit at altitudes where their emissions have a different effect than on the ground and have a particularly large climate impact. The non-carbon-dioxide effects of air transport include, in particular, contrails and contrail cirrus – that is, ice clouds. The non-carbon-dioxide effects of aviation can have both a warming and a cooling effect, with the warming effect predominating. As they only have short atmospheric lifetimes compared to carbon dioxide, the effects are not evenly distributed in the atmosphere. Their effect on the climate therefore depends heavily on numerous parameters – geographical location, altitude, time of emission, position of the Sun and weather conditions. This opens up the possibility of reducing the climate impact of aviation by choosing suitable flight routes and altitudes (referred to as climate-optimised flight trajectories). However, the use of climate-optimised flight trajectories generally leads to increased carbon dioxide emissions. As such, the optimised flight trajectories must be selected in such a way that the overall climate impact of the flight in question is reduced.Important prerequisites for the possible introduction of such climate-optimised flight trajectories include:<ul><li>The climate impact of individual flights must be able to be predicted so reliably by the weather services that a diversion of air traffic actually leads to a reduction in the climate impact.</li><li>The climate impact of non-carbon-dioxide effects must be integrated into the operational tools and processes for planning flight trajectories. This requires a system that calculates the climate impact of a flight with sufficient accuracy within the time available for flight planning.</li><li>When flights are rerouted in higher airspace, it must be ensured that authorised air traffic can continue to be handled safely, in an orderly way and without delays, because taking climate aspects into account when selecting trajectories can lead to capacity bottlenecks in the airspace.</li></ul>In contrast to the other non-carbon-dioxide effects, in the case of long-lasting contrails it is possible to control whether more or fewer contrails are formed. This requires sophisticated statistical methods. The DLR and EUROCONTROL/MUAC team used this to prove that the avoidance of long-lasting contrails actually works in real air traffic. This is a successful step on the way to climate-friendly air transport.

Aircraft engines emit soot particles. These act as condensation nuclei for small supercooled water droplets, which immediately freeze into ice crystals and become visible as contrails in the sky. Credit: © DLR. All rights reserved

An international research team has successfully demonstrated that long-lasting contrails can be avoided by adjusting flight altitudes.

Changing flight altitudes avoids the formation of climate-damaging contrails

In the industry of NDT methods for industrial inspections, SKYRON&nbsp;emerges&nbsp;as&nbsp;cutting-edge&nbsp;technology for performing detailed contact-based inspections across various assets. This intelligent flying robot surpasses conventional boundaries by navigating complex spaces seamlessly and conducting comprehensive inspections across a wide spectrum of assets.&nbsp;&nbsp;From tanks and pipes to towering and intricate structures like flare stacks, confined spaces, ships, offshore platforms, and more, SKYRON is on a mission to redefine the standards of contact-based inspections. Its capabilities extend across multiple industries, effortlessly adapting to the distinct challenges posed by each asset with exceptional versatility. One of&nbsp;this&nbsp;flying&nbsp;robot’s&nbsp;notable features is its&nbsp;skill in maneuvering through diverse spaces, reaching areas typically challenging for conventional inspection methods.&nbsp;&nbsp;The robot’s&nbsp;agility and precision enable meticulous assessments, ensuring no area is left unexamined. Moreover, SKYRON's versatility makes inspections not only safer but also faster and more cost-effective than conventional methods.&nbsp;

Non-destructive testing inspections are in demand across various shapes and surfaces, needing different approaches to and for, until now.

Revolutionizing Contact-Based Inspections Across Different Assets

The inspection of confined spaces within the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry presents&nbsp;numerous&nbsp;challenges, ranging from safety concerns to the substantial costs and extended downtime associated with traditional inspection methods. Conventionally, these methods often entail the laborious task of setting up scaffolding, introducing not only elevated risks to inspectors but also a costly and time-consuming process that can reduce overall productivity for asset owners.&nbsp;Transitioning from a human-centric model to a robotic solution is a welcomed shift for asset owners and inspection service providers, primarily due to the enhanced safety it offers. SKYRON, an intelligent flying robot,&nbsp;emerges&nbsp;as a groundbreaking solution that addresses the challenges of inspecting confined spaces head-on. The shift is primarily driven by the heightened safety benefits offered by robotic solutions compared to human inspectors facing risks of heat exhaustion and various other dangers while navigating the complexity of confined spaces.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1701887849709-1701887849709.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii">&nbsp;Robotic solutions, exemplified by SKYRON, not only serve as a safety net for inspectors but also prove to be significantly more&nbsp;time-effective. By minimizing setup times and&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;the need for human intervention in precarious spaces, SKYRON expedites the inspection process, completing it in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. This not only enhances safety but also brings about a revolutionary shift in the overall efficiency of confined space inspections, allowing for more inspections to be conducted in a shorter&nbsp;timeframe.&nbsp; &nbsp;SKYRON, an intelligent robot with an extensive&nbsp;track record&nbsp;of inspecting confined spaces, ranging from confined spaces in Floating Production Storage and Offloading units (FPSOs) to the interiors of flare stacks and tanks, offers a unique advantage in this domain. Its rapid deployment&nbsp;eliminates&nbsp;the need for inspectors to physically maneuver inside confined spaces,&nbsp;providing&nbsp;a layer of safety that is unparalleled.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1701887849799-1701887849799.png" class="fr-fic fr-dii">&nbsp;In addition to its remarkable safety features, SKYRON's standout capability lies in its non-entry Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) inspections. This crucial feature distinguishes SKYRON from other inspection methods, as it enables a thorough assessment of structural integrity without the need for human entry. Furthermore, the inclusion of a&nbsp;First-Person View&nbsp;camera empowers the pilot to operate SKYRON from a safe distance,&nbsp;providing&nbsp;real-time visual feedback. This not only ensures the safety of inspectors but also makes SKYRON an ideal solution for navigating through the tight confines of narrow spaces, where traditional inspection methods would pose significant challenges.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1701887849814-1701887849814.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dii"><img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1701887849829-1701887849829.jpeg" class="fr-fic fr-dii">&nbsp;&nbsp;SKYRON's versatility extends beyond safety and efficiency through its innovative Interchangeable Payload System. This feature allows SKYRON to adapt to various inspection needs by seamlessly switching between different payloads. For instance, it can effortlessly transition from Visual inspections to Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) measurements,&nbsp;providing&nbsp;a comprehensive assessment of confined spaces. This adaptability ensures that SKYRON is not limited to a single inspection type, making it a dynamic and multifunctional tool for industries with diverse inspection requirements. The ability to tailor its payload according to specific inspection&nbsp;objectives&nbsp;enhances SKYRON's value and makes it an indispensable asset in&nbsp;optimizing&nbsp;the inspection process for different applications.&nbsp; &nbsp;The smart tether system further contributes to the efficiency of the inspection process, ensuring unlimited fly time and&nbsp;eliminating&nbsp;the need for battery changes during inspections. This feature not only enhances the longevity of inspections but also prevents disruptions, making SKYRON an invaluable asset for continuous and uninterrupted operations.&nbsp;In summary, SKYRON&nbsp;represents&nbsp;a revolutionary advancement in confined space inspections,&nbsp;providing&nbsp;a safer, faster, and more cost-effective alternative. This intelligent robotic solution effectively addresses the challenges associated with traditional methods, ensuring the well-being of&nbsp;inspectors&nbsp;and raising the efficiency of confined space inspections to unprecedented levels. As industries evolve, SKYRON stands as a beacon of innovation, reshaping the landscape of confined space inspections for a safer and more efficient future.&nbsp;

The inspection of confined spaces within the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) industry presents numerous challenges, ranging from safety concerns to the substantial costs and extended downtime associated with traditional inspection methods. 

Revolutionizing Confined Space Inspections: A Safer, Faster, and Cost-Effective Approach

<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1700760608566-Screenshot+2023-11-23+192950.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">Refineries, with their challenging conditions, rely on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspections to ensure safety and reliability. Flare stacks, crucial assets within these refineries, require special attention. Ultrasonic Thickness (UT) inspections play a vital role in maintaining flare stack integrity, preventing incidents, and enabling proactive maintenance.&nbsp;Flare stacks are undeniably vital components but inspecting them has historically been challenging due to their high temperature and heights. Conventional methods often required shutting down the stacks, resulting in productivity losses. Inspectors also had to use ropes or scaffolding, introducing risks and incurring significant time and resource expenses.&nbsp;In the past, conventional inspection methods in refineries were marked by their costliness, time-consuming nature, and inherent risks, particularly in the case of flare stack inspections. However, the introduction of intelligent flying robots has been a game-changer. These innovative robots can seamlessly conduct inspections while flare stacks remain operational, minimizing downtime and boosting productivity.&nbsp;Avestec is on a mission to enhance safety for NDT inspection crews by introducing cutting-edge technology. Safety is the top priority at Avestec, and the introduction of SKYRON has significantly elevated safety standards for inspecting refineries and their assets. Flare stacks, notorious for their extreme temperatures, have made traditional inspections a risky endeavor. SKYRON eliminates these risks by conducting inspections without human intervention, ensuring the safety and well-being of inspection crews.&nbsp;SKYRON redefines inspection efficiency. Unlike traditional methods that require time-consuming setup and human work in heights, the intelligent flying robot can swiftly deploy to fly, attach, and measure these assets. It easily navigates the heights of flare stacks, offering comprehensive inspections in a fraction of the time it would take an entire human inspection crew. This enhanced efficiency translates to significant cost savings, making inspections safer and more cost-effective.&nbsp;<img src="https://s3-us-west-1.amazonaws.com/wevolver-project-images/froala%2F1700760706840-Screenshot+2023-11-23+193128.png" style="width: 300px;" class="fr-fic fr-dib">One of the most significant advantages of employing SKYRON for flare stack inspections is the ability to avoid shutdowns. In traditional methods, shutting down operations was often necessary to ensure personnel's safety by preventing contact with hot surfaces. This not only incurred substantial costs but also led to production interruptions.&nbsp;&nbsp;<iframe id="6433ae788de910000801b259" width="250" class="specs-iframe" height="440" src="https://wevolver.com/iframe/specs/skyron?iframe=true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" data-lf-form-tracking-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-yt-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true" data-lf-vimeo-playback-inspected-kn9eq4roawkarlvp="true"></iframe>SKYRON, with its ability to perform inspections without the need for human contact, eliminates the need for shutdowns. This breakthrough ensures uninterrupted operations, saving both time and money. The cost savings achieved by avoiding shutdowns can be substantial, especially in industries where downtime is a critical concern.&nbsp;Efficiency isn't just about speed; it's also about precision. SKYRON's advanced rotary arm, equipped with a 38DL PLUS gauge, captures detailed data, providing a comprehensive assessment of the inspected areas. This precision is vital for informed decisions about maintenance and repair, ensuring that potential issues are addressed promptly.&nbsp;By utilizing SKYRON for flare stack inspections, safety is prioritized. The intelligent flying robot can operate in extreme temperatures without risking human lives, making inspections in challenging environments significantly safer. Inspectors remain at a safe distance on the ground. Furthermore, SKYRON's ability to reach areas that are difficult to access for human inspectors minimizes the risks associated with manual inspections, ensuring that even the most hard-to-reach spots are thoroughly examined.&nbsp; In conclusion, the introduction of SKYRON has ushered in a new era of safety, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness for inspecting challenging flare stack hot surfaces. The ability to conduct inspections without human contact of these high-temperature environments is a testament to the transformative power of advanced technology.&nbsp;SKYRON has left an indelible mark as a groundbreaking innovation, revolutionizing the way we approach inspections in challenging industrial environments. In doing so, it ensures that safety remains paramount, efficiency is redefined, and cost-effectiveness is unleashed, making it a key player in the future of industrial inspections, particularly in the realm of flare stack hot surfaces.&nbsp;

Refineries, with their challenging conditions, rely on Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) inspections to ensure safety and reliability. 

Elevating Safety and Efficiency in Flare Stack Inspections

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In this article, we will dive deep into the world of simultaneous localization and mapping using Lidar technology. Lidar SLAM has been gaining popularity in recent years, thanks to its versatility and applications across various domains, including autonomous vehicles, mobile robotics, and indoor mapping.

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