How mandatory electronic conspicuity could accelerate Canada’s drone industry

How mandatory electronic conspicuity could accelerate Canada’s drone industry

Oct 16, 2025 | BVLOS, Industry News, Kate Klassen, Regulatory, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

New Transport Canada RPAS regulations go into effect November 4, 2025.

Among many coming changes, the industry is most excited about the prospect of enabling routine, low-risk BVLOS flight for those with the new Pilot Certificate: Level 1 Complex Operations (plus an organization or point person – an Accountable Executive – holding an RPAS Operator Certificate). The RPOC holder accepts overall responsibility for safe operations, including maintenance, training etc. In addition, the drone must meet TC’s safety requirements for Level 1 Complex Operations.

But to fly BVLOS, the regulations require some sort of Detect and Avoid (DAA) system to avoid conflict with traditional low-flying aircraft. TC has provided a standard for vision-based DAA, but it has limitations including a max distance of 4 NM. For longer range BVLOS missions (and there are many applications) or other scenarios that don’t align with the standard, the operation must use a technology-based DAA solution.

For an industry scrambling to take on routine, low-risk BVLOS operations, that’s a bit of a stumbling block. The cost of DAA systems (including ground-based radar) is prohibitive. And that’s why a recent LinkedIn post by Brian Fentiman, CEO of BlueForce UAV Consulting (and InDro’s Law Enforcement Division Consultant) recently caught our attention.

“Canada’s drone industry is ready for BVLOS, but one major barrier remains: affordable Detect and Avoid (DAA) solutions,” he wrote. “Most DAA systems cost over $100k and can run into the millions. That’s not scalable.”

InDro’s Training and Regulatory Specialist, Kate Klassen, agrees, saying “It might be the first time the regulations have been ahead of the technology.”

Below: A look at the issue

DAA ADS-B Petition

ELECTRONIC CONSPICUITY

 

A far simpler and more cost-effective solution, argue many, would be a mandatory requirement for all crewed aircraft flying at lower altitudes to be equipped with an electronic system that constantly broadcasts information about its position and altitude. This generally means Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast Out, or ADS-B Out. It’s a vastly more affordable path to avoiding conflict between RPAS and low-flying aircraft, and the cost for RPAS operators for technology to detect these signals is inexpensive, accessible, and available.

“The answer lies in Electronic Conspicuity (EC), low-cost ADS-B Out broadcast by crewed aircraft that lets RPAS operators safely detect and avoid traffic,” writes Fentiman. “The US, Australia, the UK, and New Zealand are already doing this. Canada must catch up.”

Fentiman argues such a mandate would quickly open the skies to much-needed RPAS services, including:

  • Search and Rescue
  • Energy Corridor Inspection
  • Emergency Response
  • Infrastructure Monitoring

NAV CANADA mandated the use of this technology by traditional aviation flying in Class A Domestic Airspace in 2019, expanding it to include Class B in August of 2023. ADS-B is currently not required in uncontrolled airspace. There will be no further changes for some time to come.

“The implementation of any subsequent Canadian ADS-B mandate in Class C, Class D or Class E airspace will occur no sooner than 2028, pending further assessment and engagement with stakeholders,” says NAV CANADA.

That’s part of the reason why the RPAS industry believes it’s critical to address this issue as soon as possible.

“We don’t have a good RPAS-based solution for Detect And Avoid,” explains Klassen. “And size, weight and power restrictions are a challenging problem, which makes it hard to execute BVLOS missions under these regulations. That’s where Electronic Conspicuity comes in. If we expand the NAV CANADA mandate for ADS-B Out…then the only thing we need on the drone is a system to detect those signals.”

 

PETITION

 

With the lack of an approved and affordable DAA system for drones themselves, many in the RPAS industry believe the simplest and most expedient solution is a broader mandate for ADS-B Out on all aircraft that fly below 500′. And so multiple industry partners (including the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada) have come together to create a petition to Transport Canada “to implement a nation-wide requirement for Electronic Conspicuity systems on all low-flying crewed aircraft that share airspace below 500 feet AGL with drones.”

“It’s time to unlock safe and economical BVLOS drone operations in Canada,” writes Fentiman. “A national EC (Electronic Conspicuity) mandate would make Canada safer for both drones and general aviation.”

You’ll find Brian’s full LinkedIn post below – feel free to repost – and you can find a link to the petition here.

DAA ADS-B

INDRO’S TAKE

Like many in the industry, InDro embraces the coming regulations. But we share the belief that the lack of an affordable and approved DAA system will impinge RPAS operators during what should be a period of rapid expansion into routine, low-risk BVLOS flight. That’s why InDro is one of the partners pushing forward this petition.

“Mandating Electronic Conspicuity for all crewed aircraft that share airspace with drones is a logical, practical and cost-effective solution that has the benefit of enhancing safety for traditional aviation, too” says InDro’s Kate Klassen.

Once again, you can sign the petition here. And please spread the word.

GCXpo 2025: Another successful showcase of cutting-edge technology

GCXpo 2025: Another successful showcase of cutting-edge technology

Sep 25, 2025 | Area X.O, GCXpo, Industry News, Innovation, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

GCXpo 2025 is a wrap.

Canada’s premiere next-gen tech showcase featured exhibits from more than 70 cutting-edge companies, multiple panels and fireside chats, some 2,000 registered attendees – and even a keynote speech from the Federal Minister of National Defence.

Oh. And there were a lot of wasps. But they were a minor inconvenience on a day where the focus was on “solutions that our planet needs now more than ever,” said Invest Ottawa President and CEO Sonya Shorey during brief opening remarks. Those solutions ranged from made-in-Canada robotic arms through to robotic agriculture equipment and even new long-range and AI-enhanced drones capable of all manner of data acquisition.

The event, as always, took place over the sprawling grounds of Area X.O (pronounced “X dot oh” in case you ever wondered), a private 750 hectare (1850 acres) complex that serves as a key hub for leading R&D and technology companies in the nation’s capital. The gated facility includes 16 kilometres (10 mi) of roads and test tracks for testing autonomous vehicles, along with its Drone and Advanced Robot Training and Testing facility (DARTT) – built to meet the demanding standards of the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST).

It’s the perfect location (and had, thankfully, perfect weather) for such an ambitious event. Organised by Invest Ottawa, multiple federal departments, funding agencies and companies (including InDro) sponsored the event.

“It’s an incredible constellation of partners – we do nothing in isolation,” said Shorey.

This year’s GCXpo was not only the biggest yet, but it also noted a shift. There was a greater presence of dual-purpose devices that could be used for defence purposes, along with suggestions we’re in a rapidly changing geopolitical world where it’s in Canada’s best interests to be pushing the tech envelope. Chris Pogue, President of Defence and Space at Calian Advanced Technologies, suggested during the opening ceremony we are at a highly significant point in history:

“(It’s) a moment when defence, Canadian sovereignty, and the ability to build Canadian national capacity is more important than it’s ever been since the Second World War.”

Below: Head of R&D Sales Luke Corbeth demonstrates a humanoid InDro has extensively modified for work in hazardous environments. Image two: Detail of the InDro “backpack” that vastly enhances the robot’s capabilities

 

InDro GCXpo

COOL STUFF

 

There’s always new and interesting things to see while walking the site – plus great opportunities to learn at the many panels (which took place in three separate zones). But a few things caught our eye.

One of them is a new AI drone company called Pelican Autonomy. The company has just recently emerged from “stealth” mode. It’s parent company Lemay.AI, which serves sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and AgriTech through to aerospace and defence. Pelican Autonomy produces drones of varying sizes, ranges and payload capacities depending on use-case. Specialising in object detection and GPS-denied navigation, the company has been working behind-the-scenes at a rapid pace.

“We decided to build our own UAVs back at CANSEC 2024. We basically went from idea to flyable prototypes since then,” explains Project Lead Vlade Shestakov. “Now that we’ve made a number of successful prototypes, we’ve decided to make ourself known – and because we’re looking for funding we could potentially get some partners here.”

Its large drone (a fixed-wing, dual-engine tail-sitter) can carry a 25kg payload and has an estimated range of 400-500 km.

“It can be a full range of custom solutions – pipeline detection, collaborative mapping, disaster relief – and many others,” he says.

Ottawa-based firm A.I.rShare (“AirShare) was showing its low-cost counter-drone solutions – which are look like tiny missiles

“We provide low-cost, low-collateral counter drone solutions,” explained Missile and Fire Control Designer Luke Skinner. And with developments like we’ve seen in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, there’s clearly a need for C-UAS solutions.

“Lots of people are now buying cheap drones and attaching weapons to them – bombs, mortars, things like that. Right now the missiles being designed for this cost way more than the drones, orders of magnitude greater. Our idea is to bring the cost of the missile down to the cost of the drone. We do that through 3D printing and off-the-shelf components.”

The missiles use hobby rocket motors and are launched via a radar-guided turret. AirShare’s software determines where and when to fire (including how many missiles) for an intercept.

“The missiles deploy a large cloud of lift-disrupting countermeasures that get stuck in the propellors or air intake. Lots of people are doing things like lasers, jamming, but with new fibre optic controlled drone those don’t work so well.”

Below: Indro’s Training and Regulatory Expert, Kate Klassen, on an industry panel around certification, compliance and global standards

THE BIGGER MESSAGE

 

As flagged during opening remarks, we are in a changing world – one where AI and other technologies will play an increasingly important role during uncertain geopolitical times. A standing room-only keynote featured Federal Minister of National Defence, David McGuinty.

“Canada is going to have to be ready…not just to respond, but to lead,” said the Minister. As part of that, he said, the country is working on its first-ever Defence Industrial Strategy – and will be committing vastly more money in this area. As part of meeting Canada’s NATO commitment, he said, the country will be devoting five per cent of its GDP by 2035.

“This is a $9.2 billion investment which will strengthen our forces…enhance our infrastructure and boost our operational readiness….Every defence dollar spent is intended to reinforce Canada’s sovereignty, advance our national security, and fuel home-grown innovation,” he said.

He then expanded on the increasingly significant role Canadian technology companies will play.

“This is what I do know, and for sure: I know that at the heart of the strategy is you. The innovators, the investors, the risk-takers, the entrepreneurs, and the startups. You’re going to help us develop the dual-use technologies that are going to shape the future of defence and security,” he said.

A similar call came earlier in the day from Christine Hanson, Regional Director for North America at NATO’s DIANA program, which issues technology challenges on behalf of NATO partners and funds selected participants. The program was established in 2021 to help NATO maintain its technological edge.

“NATO Nations are really facing unprecedented challenges,” she said, emphasising how important it is “That these technologies are making us more secure and more safe” – adding DIANA is currently engaged in “important conversations around procurement and the speed of acquisition.”

Below: Canada’s National Minister of Defence, David McGuinty 

David McGuinty

INDRO’S TAKE

 

GCXpo is always a big event for us – and for the industry-at-large. This year was no exception. But there was definitely an emphasis on the importance Canada (and NATO) is now placing on developing new and innovative dual-use technologies – meaning they can be used both for defence/sovereignty as well as having other real-world applications.

“It is indeed a changing world, and technology will play an unprecedented role as we move forward,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “InDro already has some dual-use projects underway that we believe will be of benefit, while also standing true with InDro’s long-standing principles of positive use-case scenarios. We’d also like to thank Invest Ottawa and the many organisers of this year’s event – it truly is Canada’s premiere showcase of its kind.”

We look forward to GCXpo 2026.

Taking flight: Onboard a BETA Technologies electric-powered aircraft

Taking flight: Onboard a BETA Technologies electric-powered aircraft

Sep 15, 2025 | Advanced Air Mobility, CAAM, InDro News, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

It’s one thing to hear about new and transformational aircraft that will blaze the path toward an Advanced Air Mobility future. It’s quite something else to see them up close – and even get the chance to fly in one.

But that’s precisely what happened during a recent trade mission organised by Canadian Advanced Air Mobility (CAAM), which included visits to Unither Bioélectronique in Bromont, Quebec – and BETA Technologies in Burlington, Vermont.

Both companies are pushing the envelope in this sector. Unither is working on a hydrogen-powered helicopter for sustainably and rapidly moving organs for transplant. And BETA Technologies is already manufacturing (and taking orders for) fully functioning electric aircraft that are in the process of FAA certification.

“BETA is building an aerospace company to make aviation more sustainable,” Chief Information Officer Blaine Newton told the CAAM delegation. And it’s not just the aircraft (BETA has both an eCTOL – an electric Conventional Take Off and Landing fixed-wind aircraft – and an eVTOL that takes off and lands vertically but transitions into forward, efficient, fixed-wing flight).

“We’re here to change the future of aviation,” he said. And after seeing BETA’s factory (including its incredible battery technology and charging system) – and experiencing a flight in its ALIA CX300 eCTOL – that doesn’t feel like hyperbole.

Below: The CX300 CTOL in flight, followed by the factory floor at BETA Technologies in Burlington, Vermont

THE AIRCRAFT

 

What would become BETA Technologies was, literally, the brainchild of its Founder and CEO, Kyle Clark. An engineer and Harvard grad, he wrote his graduate thesis on a high-wing pusher aircraft, and even built a flying scale model. Then the real work began.

“I pitched it to everyone who would listen from 2004 to 2017. I pitched it for 13 years.”

But then United Therapeutics Founder and CEO Martine Rothblatt got onboard. She has an interest in efficient and sustainable aircraft for transporting human transplant organs. The company gave BETA Technologies a $48 million US contract.

That was just the beginning. Now, with multiple eCTOL aircraft manufactured and its first production eVTOL just coming off the line (a full-scale prototype had already been built and flown), the company has an impressive trajectory and no shortage of capital.

“With an established customer base for both eCTOL and eVTOL aircraft, and more than 600 aircraft in the backlog, BETA is funded by military contracts, firm deposits, charging sales, federal financing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (EXIM) and equity investment,” states its website. Those partners include GE Aerospace, which is investing $300 million to co-develop a hybrid-electric turbogenerator to extend range for broader use-cases.

Incorporated in 2017, BETA Technologies now has some 850 employees and is growing rapidly. With an impressive manufacturing facility, much of the aircraft is vertically integrated. It designed and builds its own motor. The company holds 440+ patents and has more than 50 charging sites in the US (including one in Canada). The CX300 eCTOL can be charged in less than an hour and has shown a maximum demonstrated range of 336 nautical miles.

“We have built and are flying five aircraft, joining the family of our existing fleet of three prototype aircraft,” says BETA’s Kristen Blodgett. These include four CX300 eCTOLs and an A250 eVTOL – with the assembly of several others underway.

And the cost of these sustainable flights? BETA says the eCTOL version is 67 per cent less expensive to operate per hour than a comparable conventional aircraft. What’s more, that aircraft has an incredible glide ratio of 17:1. And with its electric engine, it’s quiet.

“It’s about the same noise as going down the highway,” said Clark.

 

THE EXPERIENCE

 

During the tour, BETA Technologies offered three seats for a spin in its ALIA eCTOL CX300, which comes in both a five-passenger version (pilot and passenger in cockpit, four in the rear) and a cargo version. Other than the removal of four seats in the rear for cargo, the two aircraft are technically identical.

The lucky passengers were Red Deer Regional Airport CEO Nancy Paish, Langley Regional Airport Manager Patrick Sihota, and InDro’s Scott Simmie. We eagerly signed waivers we didn’t take the time to read – knowing an ALIA CX300 eCTOL had already flown across the US on a cross-country tour – then buckled up. The seats were comfortable and there was plenty of legroom. Large windows on each side of the passenger section offered an incredible view.

We taxied toward the runway with minimal noise. Unlike a combustion engine, the electric power plant noise was barely perceptible. With BETA pilot Christopher Caputo at the controls and Paish riding shotgun, Caputo let the electrons loose (394 kW on takeoff). Acceleration was immediate and smooth; the FAA-Certified five-blade propeller (built specifically for electric aircraft) is fixed pitch, so there wasn’t that additional burst of noise as pitch position changed. Small vents were open in the cockpit and rear windows. The only sound was that propellor slicing the air, the increasing air flowing through the vents, and a slight runway rumble.

Soon we were wheels-up, with Caputo controlling the aircraft through a fly-by-wire system (which could, in future, be used for autonomous flights). We flew between 4,000 and 7,000′ AGL. Caputo told us over the headphones he’d give us a demonstration of its aerodynamics. He pulled a 70° bank in one direction, then the other. The response was instantaneous and incredibly smooth. It was, in a word, precise.

“Flying in the BETA eCTOL was an incredible experience – the rush of speed, the simplicity of the aircraft, and the quietness of the cockpit where all you hear is the wind,” says Nancy Paish. “I was struck by how responsive the aircraft was and how steadily it held its position, so different from conventional flying. Experiencing this technology first-hand truly inspired me.”

After quick spin over a bit of Burlington and Lake Vermont, it was back for a smooth landing and taxi. When it was all over, Caputo simply hit a couple of switches and everything was shut down and the CX300 was ready for charging. It felt, for all passengers aboard, as if we had just been given a glimpse of the future.

“Advanced Air Mobility is not a distant concept – it is real, and it has the potential to make a meaningful difference in the aviation industry,” added Paish, who is in the midst of an ambitious expansion at the Red Deer Regional Airport with sustainable, regional aviation clearly on her radar.

“My key takeaway from this trip is clear: the future of aviation is changing, and Red Deer Regional Airport is ready to play an important role in that journey.”

Langley Airport Manager Patrick Sihota was similarly impressed.

“Witnessing BETA’s technology firsthand isn’t just inspiring; it proves the future of sustainable aviation is within reach. For Langley Regional Airport (YNJ), this is a game-changer. Aircraft like the eCTOL are perfect for connecting our communities across the Lower Mainland and the island with minimal noise and environmental impact.”

Below: InDro’s Scott Simmie about the BETA Technologies CX300 eVTOL during flight. There’s a reason he’s smiling. Image two: A view of the fly-by-wire cockpit from behind

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We’ve long been advocates of the coming world of Advanced Air Mobility and applaud both the sustainability – and the use-cases. There’s a real need to move critical cargo and people to regions underserved by the traditional aviation model. And, to say we were impressed with the BETA Technologies design, approach and culture would be an understatement. It’s clear why Vancouver’s Helijet chose BETA when it decided to expand into the world of electric aircraft.

“BETA Technologies is truly at the forefront of the coming wave of eCTOL and eVTOL aircraft,” says InDro Robotics Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “We were incredibly impressed not only by the thoughtful design, but the incredible amount of vertical integration we saw at BETA. We look forward to seeing the CX300 flying from Vancouver in the not-so-distant future – and on missions elsewhere in Canada as well.”

There’s much more we saw on this trip – including its impressive charging system/network, which not only charges its aircraft but can also charge EVs. The company is brimming with innovations, and we look forward to telling you more down the road.

Mark September 24: GCXpo returns to Ottawa’s Area X.O

Mark September 24: GCXpo returns to Ottawa’s Area X.O

Sep 8, 2025 | Area X.O, GCXpo, Industry News, Innovation, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

If you’re in the Ottawa area September 24 – or can be – mark that date on your calendar. It’s the fourth annual GCXpo, Canada’s premiere showcase of next-gen technology and Smart Mobility. It’s an amazing event, and it’s free.

“Last year, we grew to the point where we had over 1600 registrants that attended the event on the demonstration day. And this year, for the overall showcase, we’re hoping that it grows beyond that,” explains Patrick Kenny, Senior Director, Stakeholder Experience and Strategic Engagement with Invest Ottawa.

And what do those attendees get to see? Well, the latest and greatest that Canadian technology companies have to offer – with live demonstrations of robots, drones, Smart Mobility technologies (including in the fields of agriculture and defence), plus a whole lot more. Close to 75 companies will be displaying or demonstrating at this year’s event, set up on the sprawling 750 hectare (850 acre) private, gated facility known as Area X.O (Area X ‘dot’ Oh) that’s home to a concentration of leading high-technology companies. InDro Robotics has its R&D headquarters there.

Area X.O, says Kenny, truly represents “industry, government, our private sector and our post-secondary institutions all coming together to create this enormous opportunity for companies to test and validate their technology as they work towards public adoption and, ideally, commercialisation.”

Below: A scene from last year’s GCXpo event: And yes, that vehicle is driving autonomously

GCXpo

CROSS-POLLINATION

 

Patrick Kenny uses that word a lot – both in describing Area X.O and the GCXpo event itself.

Area X.O is frequently visited by government departments and agencies that play a role in funding some of the technology developments. There’s collaboration between technology companies on site, resulting in new products and even patents. And there’s all that space for developing and hardening new technologies, including roads set aside for autonomous vehicles, as well as the Drone and Advanced Robotics Training and Testing site (DARTT), where robots are put through demanding challenges that meet the rigorous criteria of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

But when it comes to GCXpo, there’s much more than that.

Federal funding agencies and regulators are there, happy to talk about their latest programs and opportunities. Post-secondary institutions are there, happy to discuss co-op programs or meet with prospective students. Investors come as well, looking for that next great product or use-case. Plus, hundreds of people with a general interest in technology attend simply to get a glimpse of the future.

 

AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN

 

But GCXpo (and “GC” stands for Government of Canada) is also an opportunity to hear from the experts via roundtable discussions (including questions from attendees). Last year, there was a large main stage where all of these events took place. This year, says Kenny, they’re taking a different approach in order to offer an even greater quantity of more specialised content.

“We actually made the decision this year to not go with the mainstage,” he explains. “We’re going to have three satellite stages around the site that are going to provide a little bit more high touch programming for those that are interested.”

They are:

  • Communitech EY Zone – Powered by Innovation & Defence
  • Ottawa Innovation Farm Zone powered by AgExpert – Cultivating the Future of Agriculture 
  • Smart City Zone – Building Tomorrow’s Urban Intelligence

You’ll find much more about each of these satellite stages on this page.

In addition to roundtables and technical updates, audience members will have an opportunity to ask the many experts, regulators and funders onstage questions.

Originally known as TCXpo (where the TC stood for Transport Canada), the event has evolved and grown every single year. Kenny is the person in charge of it all – but he’s (obviously) not doing it alone.

“By the time the event takes place, we’ve really had over 50 individuals that have been part of the organising and the development of the event itself,” he says. And that doesn’t include the many other participants, including the companies themselves, post-secondary agencies, and many more.

Below: Patrick Kenny goes into greater detail about the history of Area X.O and what to expect at this year’s GCXpo in this edition of our Sound Byte micro-podcast:

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We always look forward to this event – and not just because it’s an opportunity to showcase our own innovations. It’s an opportunity to meet others in this space, have discussions with regulators, funders, potential clients, etc. Most importantly, it’s an opportunity for everyone who attends (including us!) to see the great strides being made in the Canadian technology sector – everything from innovations in CleanTech through to some of the most advanced autonomous robotics around.

“Invest Ottawa and the Government of Canada deserve great credit for this technology showcase,” says InDro Robotics Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “This is truly the premiere annual Canadian technology event. An incredible amount of work goes into making it happen – and for those who participate, GCXpo can produce incredible results.”

Tickets to attend are free, but you must register in advance. Companies still wishing to exhibit can also reach out for more information here.

InDro partners with Montreal’s Chaac on landmine detection project

InDro partners with Montreal’s Chaac on landmine detection project

Sep 4, 2025 | Drones for good, InDro News, Innovation, Photogrammetry, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

On a recent day, small green pieces of plastic were scattered randomly across a road at Ottawa’s Area X.O.

They looked harmless. To a child, they might even look like a toy. But these are replicas of a Russian-made landmine known as the PFM-1. They are designed to maim, and will easily blow off a foot or hand if disturbed.

That’s what happened to a Ukrainian boy named Yaroslav in October of 2023. This UNICEF article outlines his injury – which took off the lower part of his right leg. Some children have been killed by these devices, which contain 37g (1.3 oz) of VS-6D or VS-60D liquid explosive.

The mines are banned by a 1997 agreement known as the Ottawa Convention or the Ottawa Treaty. But Russia, the United States and China did not sign the treaty. Ukraine ratified the convention in 2005, but in late June of 2025 issued a decree to withdraw from the agreement, stating that because Russia was deploying mines in the current conflict it had an unfair advantage.

Despite initially signing the agreement, in 2021 it was estimated Ukraine had a stockpile of 3.3M of the devices. Untold numbers of PFM-1s are scattered in the Ukrainian and Russian countryside, dispersed by planes or mortar. Their design allows them to spiral to the ground much like a maple seed.

“After years of war, Ukraine is now one of the most mine-contaminated countries in the world,” states the UNICEF article. “The ongoing fighting has left nearly a third of the country contaminated with landmines and other explosive ordnance, threatening the daily lives of children and families.”

And that, ultimately, is why these harmless replica mines – which look identical to the real thing – have been scattered at Area X.O. They’ve been placed to see if they can be identified and mapped autonomously for the purpose of destruction.

“There’s been a concerted effort by many to figure out a way to remove these from any former battlefield. So that’s why we’re involved with this project,” explains Maxime Phaneuf, Head of R&D with CHAAC technologies.

“We figured this would be a good use-case to try and do feature detection and to train a neural network to find them.”

Above: Chaac’s Maxime Phaneuf (R), with InDro Technologist Tirth Gajera, overseeing a demo. Below: One of the 3D-printed replica PFM-1s used in the project

 
Chaac Mine detection demo Area X.O PFM-1

THE PROJECT

 

The genesis for this project came from a request for proposals from Innovative Solutions Canada. The agency was looking for companies that could leverage technology for field detection – identifying objects of interest automatically. A Montreal-based company specialising in data, Chaac Technologies, was selected.

With a successful proposal, along with subsequent discussions with the Testing Department from the Department of National Defence, it was determined that a specific application – identifying PFM-1 mines – would be useful. And then Chaac got to work.

The goal was to create software, a neural network with embedded machine vision, that could identify these small devices on the ground automatically and with a high detection rate. Chaac got to work on the programming, but needed a partner with drone and ground robot expertise. The drone would be used to capture aerial photos.

The Chaac software, which had been trained to identify PFM-1s by learning what they looked like in various positions on the ground, would automatically ingest those photographs and stitch them together into a single photogrammetric image. The software would then identify and mark each of those landmines on an orthomosaic – an image that’s geometrically corrected and georeferenced. The result is a map that highlights the location of each landmine, along with a score indicating how confident the neural network is that each feature is indeed a PFM-1. That data is then transferred to an InDro ground robot, which then autonomously navigates to each of the landmines.

“From drone to final map, it’s a fully automated workflow,” says Phaneuf. “That’s our innovation.”

Chaac has named the software SHIELDS – Secured Hazard Identification and Environmental Landmark Discovery System.

“We have a consistent detection rate of between 80 and 90 per cent,” explains Phaneuf. And while landmines are the focus, the software could be applied to any feature detection. “This particular system, we can use to discover any landmark as long as we train the neural network accordingly.”

Below: An InDro-modified drone autonomously captures data from above, sending it directly to Chaac’s neural network software for object identification and precision mapping. Our Sentinel inspection robot then confirms the data by autonomously driving to each detected PFM-1.

Chaac Mine detection demo Area X.O Drone
Chaac Mine detection demo Area X.O Sentinel

THE INDRO CONNECTION

 

The necessity for a drone and UGV (Uncrewed Ground Vehicle) is what brought Chaac to get in touch with InDro.

“One of the requirements of this project was to have Canadian-owned and operated hardware, not like DJI drones from China. And so we partnered with Indro,” says Phaneuf.

InDro built two Open-Source RTK drones operating with ROS2 (Robot Operating System), which will be delivered to the Department of National Defence as part of the contract. Our third-generation Sentinel UGV, also with RTK, is used as the ground robot. In a real-world deployment, the UGV could be used to detonate the mines, either by driving over them with a hardened shell, or with some other attachment that could trigger the devices.

And the next step for Chaac? Since the company has shown it can detect very small objects, Phaneuf anticipates DND might ask for detection of something else – say, vehicles for example. Chaac hopes its PFM-1 SHIELDS detection system will make it into the real world.

“I would be very happy if we can save some lives with this project and deploy it in in the Ukraine, or maybe after the war in Russia,” says Phaneuf. “We have hopes that this project will bear fruit and can be deployed in an actual combat or post-battlefield situation.”

We share that view.

Below: Chaac CEO Guillaume Nepveu explains the project during a recent episode of our Sound Byte micro-podcast

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We are pleased to have been brought in as a partner by Chaac on this project. As an R&D company specialising in UGVs and UAVs, it was a perfect fit. We also applaud the use-case, and hope Chaac’s SHIELDS system can one day be used to detect and destroy PFM-1s or other surface landmines.

“Landmines, sadly, continue to pose a threat to soldiers and civilians in many parts of the world,” says InDro Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “There’s no question technology can be, and has been, used to great effect to neutralise this threat. Chaac’s machine vision/neural network approach is a perfect example of combining cutting-edge software and hardware together with a single and positive goal. We look forward to seeing the next steps.”

We’ll keep you updated.