Ground-based infrastructure to enable Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) operations is a critical but often overlooked component for aerial cargo delivery applications including eCommerce or healthcare missions or other tasks in challenging environments. These tools often have advanced levels of automation or autonomy to interface with UAS, airborne cargo delivery solutions, and operators or users on the ground. 

In 2020, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) created a durability and reliability-based process for small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS) manufacturers to obtain type certifications for their aircraft. There are several key benefits to completing the process, including pathways for expanded safe commercial operations over people and Beyond Visual-Line-Of-Sight (BVLOS) flights.

It’s the first anniversary of Autonomy Bytes! This episode looks back at the engaging guests and interesting topics from the first 12 episodes, while previewing the future of the show and coming advances in the autonomy industry.

Interview with Seth Schwartz, UAS Program Manager for Commercialization and Technology Transfer for the Sinclair College National UAS Training and Certification Center, in the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2021 XPO Hall.

Interview with Alexandre Meldem, U.S. Office Managing Director for Flyability, in the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2021 XPO Hall.

Interview with Dr. Ronald Storm, Managing Director of Greycliff Industries, in the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL 2021 XPO Hall.

In August 2021, Andrew Shepherd attended the Association of Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) XPONENTIAL conference in Atlanta, Georgia. While there, he interviewed several show attendees as guests for the podcast. In episode 012a, Andrew and Ryan Smith discuss Andrew’s experience at the conference and highlight the three floor interviews included in episodes 012b, 012c, and 012d. 

Automation and autonomy are quickly advancing from research to implementation in large commercial trucks and powered equipment. The Innovative Semi-Autonomous Truck and Off-Highway Powered Equipment (ISA-TOPE) project, led by the Minnesota State Transportation Center of Excellence (TCOE), is addressing the need for truck and equipment technicians and operators through development of technical college programs leveraging new and innovative equipment and curriculum. 

The capabilities of small unmanned aircraft continue to advance across all technology areas, including propulsion. Ramjet designs have reached sizes, weights, and performance levels that make them viable powerplants for systems that require high speed for research or future operational uses. Of course, significant increases of speed create new challenges and opportunities related to autonomy as well.

As technology continues to advance, laws, regulations, and policies must also be developed and updated to ensure the safe and effective application of autonomous systems. Although there are challenges, many opportunities exist to collaborate and benefit from autonomous capabilities.