Sales and support: The InDro Experience

Sales and support: The InDro Experience

Jul 26, 2024 | InDro News, Industry News, Robotics, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

We’ve all had them. Some unfamiliar number shows up on your phone, and the next thing you know someone is trying to pitch duct cleaning, a new cellular plan, or something else you likely don’t want or need.

You’ll never receive a call like that from us. For one thing, we don’t do duct cleaning (though we could probably build a robot capable of that). But there’s a bigger, more important reason. We cater – above all – to building a relationship with and satisfying the needs of the client. That’s both before we agree on a sale, and for long after the product is delivered.

While InDro is known for such ground-breaking stand-alone products as InDro Commander, the new InDro Cortex and InDro Controller, along with other platforms that enable researchers and R&D companies to build their own robots and drones with greater efficiency and simplicity, the bulk of our sales are custom products.

That means designing and building a robot or other device based on the specific needs and use-cases of the customer. Sometimes it’s a single, one-off design. But it could also be, as we recently reported, an entire fleet of custom robots for swarm research.

Regardless of the product or platform, the process nearly always begins with the first of many conversations with Luke Corbeth, our Head of R&D sales.

Below: Luke at a recent conference

Luke Corbeth

CORBY CAR CLEANERS

 

The story, or part of it, begins with a company called Corby Car Cleaners. “Corby” was Luke’s nickname in high school. An entrepreneur at heart, the prospect of working a traditional job didn’t appeal much. Corbeth wanted to learn about running his own business and was looking for the satisfaction that comes with building something from scratch. So he opened an on-demand car detailing business, where he’d show up at the client’s home and perform the service. How many people do you know that had the drive to start their own company in high school? (I can think of only one other; a friend who installed car stereos. I ran into him, decades later, at a CES show. His company was by then installing high-end systems – $100k+ – into cars owned by pro athletes, actors etc.)

“That was my way of building a basic business – doing sales and then actually executing the business,” he recalls.

With that – and high school – under his belt, Corbeth went to McGill University. Specifically, the prestigious Desautels Faculty of Management for a degree in Management. Corbeth had already shown a real knack for finance, which was part of the course. But he had the option of choosing specialisations. He was tremendously interested in technology – learning about AI, startups, the growing impact of other forms of tech – so he selected Digital Innovation as one of his tracks. But there was still another specialty he could select.

“I had something I was interested in (Digital Innovation), something I was good at (Finance) and something I felt I was missing,” he says. And that third piece of the puzzle?

“I didn’t understand the way operations are conducted. So I felt Operations Management was the missing piece; data science and understanding the optimal way to carry out operations. So that became the third piece of my arsenal.”

 

FROM CAR CLEANING TO WALL STREET

 

With his degree fresh in hand in 2019, Corbeth quickly landed two impressive jobs straight out of the gate. He did equity research at a hedge fund in New York, working to identify investment opportunities that the company referred to as having “material dislocation from fair value.” In other words, assets and stock that were undervalued. He also worked at a private real estate investment firm – which only had a single product to sell. He didn’t like that one much.

“When you have only one offering as a sales professional, it occasionally it feels like you’re trying to put a triangle into a circular hole – like you’re trying to force something upon someone.”

That wasn’t a fit for Corbeth. He was still drawn to technology; felt that was the future. Plus, something A McGill professor once said still resonated with him. It was along the lines of: ‘All the best investments in life, you need to be contrarian and right.’

“I was like, ‘Wow, that’s a very profound thought.’ Another way to think of that is: ‘You have to believe in a future that people don’t yet believe in, but will one day also believe in.’ And that’s what really attracted me to robotics,” he says.

“Sci-fi would suggest that it’s the future, but not everyone sees a future where robots are assistants to humans – carrying out useful and valuable tasks and doing the jobs we don’t want our kids to do. But I believe in that future, and I think people are going to want that future. And you know what? It’s becoming increasingly true.”

And then came the perfect fit: An opening for a sales professional at InDro Robotics in 2021.

“I was very excited at the prospect of joining the very field I was most interested in,” he says.

Below: Head of R&D Sales Luke Corbeth doing a public demo at the opening of Area X.O’s DARTT – the Drone and Advanced Robot Training and Testing facility 

 

 

THE INDRO EXPERIENCE

 

With this background, Corbeth had the perfect skill set – and passion – to take on sales with InDro Robotics. His keen interest in technology led him to quickly absorb everything possible when it came to sensors, compute capabilities, autonomy and more. But it was the chance to tailor something very specifically suited to the needs of a customer that truly appealed. He would never again be in a position of trying to put a triangle into a circular hole.

“What’s very unique about InDro Robotics is that because we take such a modular approach and we have so many partners and ways to bring solutions together, It feels like I always have the right shape to put in each hole – regardless of what shape it is.”

As mentioned, InDro most often builds completely custom robots for its clients. Corbeth is truly passionate about working with clients to fully understand their needs before even beginning to explore what options might be developed for them.

“The way I think about my job is this: People present a problem that they envision a solution for that requires uncrewed systems of some kind, whether that’s robots or drones. And I take it upon myself to thoroughly understand that problem and recommend all of the best available hardware and software at our disposal to solve that problem,” he says.

With rare exceptions, this isn’t just a simple phone call. Nor is it a process of simply ticking boxes for sensors, compute, platform etc. For Corbeth (and InDro), it’s the beginning of a relationship where together we explore every conceivable option to ensure that the client’s needs are met and their problem is solved. It generally starts with Corbeth sending a resource package to potential clients prior to any deeper conversation, so that they can fully understand InDro’s offerings, expertise, platforms, etc.

“The whole idea there is: Let’s identify the problem – and let’s identify the desired future. And since they’ve done their homework, ideally with the resources I’ve sent, then we can really dive into exactly what InDro Robotics can do specifically to get them there.”

This is a key part of the process.

“So the initial part of the conversation is always trying to understand the client’s desired future: What is it they’re actually trying to accomplish? And often times, just by talking it out with the client, I make discoveries about what they’re trying to do. They even make discoveries about what they’re trying to do. That’s always the first part: Thoroughly identifying the problem and what the ideal future should be.”

In some cases, for example, clients have come in looking for a wheeled platform, perhaps because they’ve seen a similar robot with wheels. But after further exploration of the use-case and terrain, they might together discover that a quadruped or tracked platform might be more suitable.

“If a client doesn’t know the existence of something, then it’s impossible for them to know that’s actually what they need,” he explains. “So part of my job is informing them of what is available, what is trending, what has been successful. It’s all about clarifying that problem and that vision for the future – and then seeing if we have something in the arsenal that can help get them there quickly.”

Below: Luke being interviewed at Area X.O’s DARTT

FROM PROBLEM TO SOLUTION

 

So then what happens?

Well, the second phase is seeing if there’s a fit. Can we provide what the client is seeking? Usually, of course, the answer is yes.

“With all that is available to us, can we offer something that meets their budget, meets their timeline, meets all of the project requirements so that we can help them achieve this future they’re seeking?”

This is something we really want to nail down.

“Sometimes in sales, companies will say: ‘Yes, my solution can solve every problem’ – and that’s not always the case. So if it makes sense to refer them to an adjacent providers outside our immediate circle, I’ll do that. But we’re in a fortunate position where we can solve a lot of problems – so that doesn’t happen very often.”

Once the client’s needs are fully understood, Corbeth works closely with them to drill down to the specifics: What type of LiDAR and other sensors best suit the application? How much compute power is needed? What platform and locomotion is best suited to the use-case? Is an autonomy stack required? The list, of course, goes on. And InDro has multiple options in every category to ensure the end product is the right one.

 

NEXT STEPS

 

We live, unfortunately, in a world where there’s a lot of hype – particularly when it comes to technology. There’s no shortage of vapourware, renders for products that don’t yet exist, and other techniques to draw clients into a sales funnel. At InDro, we take great pride in the fact our products are real and do exactly what we state.

“We’ve built custom products for everyone from small colleges and research teams right up to the largest technology companies in the world,” says Corbeth.

It’s one thing to say that; it’s quite another to prove it. And so Corbeth frequently arranges for an in-person or remote demonstration, where clients can control an existing robot or drone and take it for a test drive. They can experience the near-zero latency with remote ops, see the intuitiveness of the control system, and view all sensors, robot health (and much more) through the secure InDro Controller dashboard.

“We get them time on the sticks – ideally in person, but very often over Teams – and let them control a robot on our site. They can see how we plan missions, how we execute missions, and just how user-friendly and effective this technology is.”

That demo – controlling and seeing InDro products in action – generally seals the deal.

“Usually we move from there to quotes and service agreements and then, ultimately, a purchase order.”

Below: Luke engages with an attendee at the big IROS conference in Detroit in fall, 2023

FULFILLMENT AND SUPPORT

 

Even with the PO signed, the job isn’t done. Prior to starting the build, there’s generally a review call with the client along with engineering staff on the call. We want to ensure we have everything right, and understand every single facet of what the client is expecting.

“It’s a way of ensuring that what we end up delivering ultimately meets every expectation – because the worst thing you can do is send something out the door that doesn’t meet expectations. So we do that, and then we execute,” he says.

With the build complete, the product is shipped. Then there’s another call once it arrives. That ‘kickoff’ call points the client to the vast array of resources and continuously updated documentation InDro provides, as well as answering any initial questions the client might have. The whole concept here is to flatten the learning curve and ensure the client can get up and running with their robot or drone as quickly as possible. That support continues with any issues or questions that might arise after the client becomes familiar with their robot or drone or other device. At InDro, we are just as concerned with ensuring the client is satisfied and able to fully exploit their new product as we were with the original sale.

“We really value the client’s experience and the client’s feedback. In some ways, we create a feedback loop. And that feedback loop is what has enabled us to improve and evolve our products and our documentation at such a fast rate.”

 

KNOWLEDGE BASE

 

Luke Corbeth is frequently our lead person at robotics conferences and academic gatherings. He’s the guy PhD engineers will often engage with on InDro products and solutions. And the funny thing here? Luke’s comprehensive understanding of the technologies involved frequently lead people to assume he’s an engineer. In fact, that happened just this week at a University of Toronto event.

“That was like the penultimate compliment,” he says. “Despite having no formal education in engineering, I understand every part of our solution in enough detail that I can knowledgeably discuss hardware and solutions with some of the best professors in the world. Granted, I can’t build an autonomy algorithm. But I know what the robot needs to enable that.”

Of course, Luke would not have been able to reach that knowledge level without working closely with InDro’s talented engineering team at Area X.O. Whenever he’s had a question – they’ve had the answer. Many on our team have served as mentors for him.

Now, it’s one thing for us to say all this. But the real credibility comes with feedback from our clients. Luke received this note after the delivery of a custom robot build for, truly, one of the biggest companies in the world:

“Hey Luke – The robot is fantastic; the craftsmanship is superb; the power on the base is enabling; the intricate way in which the computer fits in the base housing is incredible; the compute box + mast feels “just right” (there’s no template for social robot design, but I feel like we got very close); all these things make me really confident that, with the right algorithms (my responsibility) we can safely and efficiently navigate through crowds.  It’s a really special robot that I can’t wait to put in the field.  Your team deserves a raise!”

(We’ll have to ask our CEO about that last bit.)

Below, our recent swarm robotics build for a US client

 

 

Robosense LiDAR Swarm

INDRO’S TAKE

 

InDro would not be thriving without satisfying our clients (many of whom are repeat customers, or are referred to us by existing ones). It is part of our very ethos to fully understand the problems they are trying to solve before we ever start discussing a solution. And it’s only then, through a very collaborative process with the client, that we can deliver a product that not only meets – but frequently exceeds – their expectations.

“Luke is a crucial and always enthusiastic part of the InDro Robotics team,” says Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “His understanding of the technology is phenomenal, and his drive to truly help clients achieve the future they envision seems to be hard-wired into him. Yes, meticulous builds are a key part of client satisfaction and InDro’s reputation. Luke plays an absolutely key role in ensuring that what we ultimately build and deliver is a match with their expectations.”

If you’re considering a robotics solution, contact Luke Corbeth here. He’ll be happy to arrange a test drive.

InDro completes design, build and delivery of robots for swarm research

InDro completes design, build and delivery of robots for swarm research

Jul 16, 2024 | InDro News, Industry News, Scott Simmie, Swarm Robotics

By Scott Simmie

You’ve likely seen swarm behaviour in nature – or at least video of it.

Flocks of starlings produce incredible patterns known as murmurations, undulating with split-second speed. Certain species of termites build massive and complex mounds, complete with sophisticated ventilation shafts to ensure air exchange and temperature regulation. Some types of fish, when attacked by predators, form tightly whirling balls as a defense mechanism. Bees build complex hives and have specific roles that all contribute to the collective. And ants, as you’re aware, can do a lot more than spoil picnics.

All of these, though very different, are examples of swarm behaviour. No single individual is in charge, yet these creatures work together to great synergic effect.

Below: A starling murmuration at Rigg by Walter Baxter, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons

A_starling_murmuration_at_Rigg_

SWARM ROBOTICS

 

It was actually through these observations in nature, particularly of insects, that the concept of swarm robotics first emerged.

“In a robot swarm, the collective behavior of the robots results from local interactions between the robots and between the robots and the environment in which they act… The research of swarm robotics is to study the physical body and the controlling behaviours of robots. It is inspired but not limited by the emergent behaviour observed in social insects, called swarm intelligence. Relatively simple individual rules can produce a large set of complex swarm behaviours. A key component is the communication between the members of the group that build a system of constant feedback. The swarm behaviour involves constant change of individuals in cooperation with others, as well as the behaviour of the whole group,” states this Wikipedia entry.

Much of the early research (and some of the more complex, current research) involves high numbers of very simple robotic devices. But as the field has developed, so too has the size and capabilities of the robots being used in swarm applications and research.

“The idea behind swarm robotics is the robots are able to communicate with each other and thus improve their decision-making and data acquisition in a given environment from a real world application standpoint,” explains Head of R&D Sales Luke Corbeth.

 

THE BOSTON EXAMPLE

 

One InDro client, Boston University, is using a very large fleet of small but smart robots called LIMO in swarm scenarios. One aspect of their research involves how autonomous vehicles interact with each other. Can the robots detect others merging and take appropriate action? How can autonomous vehicles detect and interact with robots that have been programmed to behave as if they’re human-driven vehicles?

Research like this is obviously more practical (and far less costly) to carry out in a lab rather than on city streets. It’s important work as we head toward the Smart Cities of the future, where eventually all vehicles will be autonomous – and much of the current infrastructure (traffic lights, stop signs) will no longer be necessary because all Connected Automated Vehicles will be part of a network.

“These vehicles become nodes in an Internet in which the vehicles talk to each other,” said Christos Cassandras, Distinguished Professor of Engineering, Head of the Division of Systems Engineering, and Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in an earlier interview with InDro.

“They exchange information and so, ideally cooperatively, they can improve metrics of congestion, of energy, of pollution, of comfort, of safety – perhaps safety being predominant.”

It’s fascinating work, and you can check out our story about it here.

But the ability of swarms to move and collect and share data collaboratively also opens up other use-case scenarios.

“If you are able to team your robots together, obviously you can cover a lot more area in a shorter period of time because the robots are essentially building a map together rather than being dependent on a single robot to build that map. One of the most obvious applications is search and rescue,” says Corbeth.

To illustrate, we borrow this example from research being carried out at Carnegie Mellon University:

INDRO’S CUSTOM SWARM

 

We recently built and shipped four identical custom robots for North Carolina State University’s Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering. Corbeth was the conduit, putting together a package that suited their very specific needs. It began with selecting one of our 18 available platforms.

“They chose the Scout Mini, which is far and away our most cost-effective platform. And it’s unique in that it’s capable both indoors, like in their lab, but also for outdoor use,” says Corbeth.

That, of course, was just the start. Each robot was outfitted with the InDro Commander, which tucks a lot of power and flexibility within its IP54-rated enclosure. Commander houses the brains or the robot – which in this case is a very powerful piece of compute. Commander is completely customisable based on client requirements and contains ROS1 and ROS2 folders. (It also enables rapid integration and recognition of multiple sensors, and has the option of shipping with either or both of InDro’s autonomy stacks for outdoor or indoor use – think GPS-denied and SLAM. In this case, the client will be building their own autonomy stack, as that’s part of their research.)

And this client wanted Commander equipped with a powerhouse.

“They upgraded from a Jetson Xavier NX to the AGX Orin Developer Kit. That’s the best-in-class onboard compute you can add to a robot these days,” he adds.

That’s not hyperbole. The AGX contains a 2048-core NVIDIA Ampere architecture GPU with 64 Tensor Cores. Unfamiliar with Tensor Cores? They mean ultra fast AI processing.

“Tensor Cores enable mixed-precision computing, dynamically adapting calculations to accelerate throughput while preserving accuracy and providing enhanced security,” states the NVIDIA website. “The latest generation of Tensor Cores are faster than ever on a broad array of AI and high-performance computing (HPC) tasks. From 4X speedups in training trillion-parameter generative AI models to a 30X increase in inference performance, NVIDIA Tensor Cores accelerate all workloads…”

That AI computer is capable of – wait for it – 275 TOPS, or trillions of operations per second. (Yes, it’s kind of hard to get your head around that.)

 

SENSORS, SENSORS, SENSORS

 

Corbeth worked with the client to outfit each swarm robot with the sensors needed for the job. Starting with the basics, each robot contains two pinhole cameras (one front, one rear) so the operator can remotely see the robot’s eye view using our proprietary dashboard, InDro Controller. For depth perception, we added ZED X stereo cameras which – like human eyes – see the world in three dimensions. These are used for obstacle avoidance (in conjunction with LiDAR, which we’ll get to).

Connectivity is key with any robot. But when it comes to swarm robotics, it’s particularly important to have high-speed, low-latency communication not just with the controller, but between the robots themselves.

“Obviously doing swarm requires 5G connectivity,” says Corbeth. “So there’s a 5G modem in each robot as well as our Wi-Fi development module. In addition to communication between the robots and with InDro Controller, this also means they can program these robots without having to hard-wire into them. In fact, students or researchers could upload algorithms from pretty much any location – they don’t need to be on-site or on the same WiFi network, which has been the traditional route.”

Each robot features GPS and IMU modules, plus a Robosense Helios RS-5515 32-beam LiDAR module. These sense the environment in three dimensions by rapidly scattering and receiving the reflections from eye-safe laser beams. It allows the robot to safely navigate and map in completely unfamiliar and GPS-denied locations, and even carry out precision scans. We recently featured Robosense in this post, detailing how the quality is absolutely on par with the biggest names in the industry. (Selecting Robosense for this project saved the client close to $80,000 without losing any capabilities.)

Outstanding in their field: A look at the InDro-built swarm fleet just prior to shipping to the client

Robot Swarm

INDRO’S TAKE

 

It was a fascinating project to build a small swarm from the ground up for the specific needs of this client. We look forward to checking in with North Carolina State University once the research is fully underway – and will report back to you.

“There’s no doubt that swarm robotics is an important tool, not only in R&D but increasingly in real-world applications,” says InDro Robotics Founder and CEO Philip Reece. “Whether it’s search and rescue, mapping difficult environments at scale, or developing algorithms that will enable Connected Automated Vehicles in the Smart Cities of the future, swarms are synergic tools that produce outcomes far greater than the sum of their parts – and that do so with greater speed and efficiency.”

Interested in exploring options for swarm robotics? Contact Luke Corbeth here.

SkyScout AI offers new solution for wildfire detection, mitigation

SkyScout AI offers new solution for wildfire detection, mitigation

Jun 20, 2024 | Industry News, Scott Simmie, SkyScout Ai, Wildfires

By Scott Simmie

 

We did a quick check, just now, on the current wildfire situation in British Columbia.

Nine wildfires were burning and labelled as “Out of Control” by the BC Wildfire Service. An additional two fires were categorised as “Wildfires of Note.” And we’re still very early in the wildfire season.

Recent years have seen an increase in devastating wildfires – in British Columbia, Alberta, California, Hawaii and elsewhere in North America. A 2014 fire in the Northwest Territories completely destroyed 8.5 million acres (3.44M hectares). There have also been massive wildfires in Portugal, Australia (42 million acres/17M hectares burned in 2019/2020), Russia – and other countries as well.

These examples are indicative of a trend; there’s compelling (and troubling) data to back this up.

“Multiple studies have found that climate change has already led to an increase in wildfire season length, wildfire frequency, and burned area,” says the United States Environmental Protection Agency. “The wildfire season has lengthened in many areas due to factors including warmer springs, longer summer dry seasons, and drier soils and vegetation.”

What’s worse is that major wildfires actually contribute to the likelihood there will be more of them in the future.

“Climate change is one of the major drivers of increasing fire activity,” says the World Resources Institute, which states that “the latest data on forest fires confirms what we’ve long feared: Forest fires are becoming more widespread, burning nearly twice as much tree cover today as they did 20 years ago…

“Extreme heat waves are already 5 times more likely today than they were 150 years ago and are expected to become even more frequent as the planet continues to warm. Hotter temperatures dry out the landscape and help create the perfect environment for larger, more frequent forest fires. This in turn leads to higher emissions from forest fires, further exacerbating climate change and contributing to more fires as part of a “fire-climate feedback loop.”

This is, obviously, concerning. Existing firefighting and fire suppression techniques haven’t changed much over the years – and the threat is growing.

A new Canadian company, SkyScout AI, believes it holds part of the solution. And after seeing a demonstration of some of its capabilities recently in British Columbia, we’re inclined to agree.

Below: SkyScout Ai’s Shawn Bethel prepares a “drone tanker” at a demonstration outside Penticton. Scott Simmie photo

SkyScout AI

SKYSCOUT AI

 

So. What is SkyScout Ai – and what does its solution entail?

It starts with the leadership.

“It’s a company that’s comprised of people who want to make a difference for their communities and trying to save them as climate change drives increase in fire activity,” says Chief Operations Officer and Co-Founder Geoff Griffiths.

We’ll explore some of that shortly. First, though, we asked Griffiths for his elevator pitch.

“We’ve come up with a first-in-class vertically integrated solution that spans satellite and drone early detection. And we have the capability with our drone tanker to not only fight the fire but protect the communities from fire by pre-treating vegetation and housing with our EPA-certified fire inhibitor called Citrotech. So it really is about a fully vertically integrated approach that really focuses on interface fires – those fires that interface with communities and critical infrastructure, that’s really our niche.”

All you have to do is think back to Kelowna last year and the threat posed to the city by wildfires. The McDougall Creek Fire forced the evacuation of West Kelowna and made headlines across the country. Griffiths has seen such fires hit close to home.

“My parents were living in Kelowna during a major wildfire in 2003. Their neighbourhood burned down so it’s always been in the back of my mind – wanting to do something.”

Below: Helping detect and proactively inhibit wildfires also protects wildlife. Scott Simmie photo

SkyScout Ai

HOW IT WORKS

 

The SkyScout Ai system integrates multiple components that collectively can – as the company states – “Detect, respond, protect.” And there’s a lot of technology at play to make that happen.

Though the startup is at the demonstration stage, here’s how the fully integrated system will work.

Let’s take the city of Kelowna as an example. In a long-term, proactive scenario, SkyScout Ai would place multiple permanent drone docks at several locations around the city. Those weather-resistant docks would contain drones with high-resolution thermal sensors. They’re simply sitting, with the drones fully charged, waiting for a signal.

That signal could come, automatically, from satellite data. Satellites are capable of detecting thermal hotspots and lightning strikes. So, in this example, let’s say a lightning strike is detected near Kelowna. That data and GPS location is instantly relayed, via SkyScout Ai’s software, to one or more of the thermal drones. The docks open and the drones launch, headed to the area of interest.

If the drones pick up a thermal signature – a fire – that information can, in turn, be relayed immediately to First Responders. So a fire crew might be quickly dispatched. Because this early warning system can detect so quickly, that crew will have a much better chance of extinguishing a fledgling fire.

But, as we all know, fires can spread tremendously fast. And that’s where SkyScout Ai has some other options to help protect valuable assets. Those options include what the company calls “tanker drones” and a very unique product called Citrotech. It’s a food-grade fire inhibitor that can prevent ignition (and which we’ve seen in action).

If it’s still a small fire, a tanker drone carrying Citrotech could be dispatched to extinguish the fire by aerosolising that compound over the site. But don’t start thinking this has the power of a water bomber – it doesn’t (though the company envisions larger drone tankers in its future).

Rather, a drone carrying Citrotech on board has the capability to protect infrastructure at that wildfire-urban interface point. The tanker can quickly spray the roofs of multiple homes or other structures requiring protecting. The product dries quickly and crystallises. Once applied, it is nearly impossible for that protected surface to ignite – even if that roof gets coated with burning embers (a common way houses are ignited during wildfires). Citrotech could also be sprayed on dry vegetation near those structures, effectively creating a firebreak.

“Citrotech modifies the material its on at a molecular level and has extremely high efficacy when it’s dry,” explains Chief Commercial Officer and Co-Founder Shawn Bethel. “So it coats combustible vegetation and really just inhibits the ability of combustible vegetation to combust. You can’t get it to ignite.”

Bethel knows what he’s talking about when it comes to wildfires. He’s the former BC Provincial Fire Control Officer – who was responsible for all of BC’s firefighting resources out of the Provincial Wildfire Operations Centre. His bio on the SkyScout Ai website says “He brings 25+ years of operational wildland fire management experience including senior roles on incident command teams and aerial firefighting asset management. Shawn also brings an additional 15+ years working in the private sector spearheading global business operations with technology services companies providing wildfire mitigation solutions and fire aviation services.”

So Bethel obviously has deep expertise in wildfires, including all available suppression technologies.

“SkyScout Ai is pushing to protect the wildland-urban interface from new fires starting from ember transfers and lightning strikes,” he says. “When it’s applied in advance of anticipated new wildfire activity, it has time to dry – which is easy to do during drought wildfire weather conditions – and essentially stops fire in its tracks.”

Again – this is not a solution to extinguish a massive raging fire. But it definitely is capable of stopping small fires from becoming larger, and protecting homes, vineyards, orchards and critical infrastructure from igniting.

“This is not for Rank 6 conflagration fires. What this is for inception fires, combustible vegetation near homes, near assets, and for infrastructure and roadways. Citrotech is an excellent fire inhibiting product.”

Below: Shawn Bethel, followed by a DJI Agras T-40 during a SkyScout Ai demonstration. The company envisions larger “drone tankers” in its future. Scott Simmie photos

 

Shawn Bethel SkyScout Ai
SkyScout AI Penticton

SKYSCOUT Ai IN ACTION

 

At the end of May, 2024, SkyScout Ai brought its mobile Command Centre to a location outside Penticton, where vineyards – also highly vulnerable to wildfire – pepper the lush hills of the Okanogan Valley. That command centre (the first of many planned) contained a dock for a thermal drone, a massive spraying drone (in this case, a DJI Agras T-40), Citrotech and a control centre for the pilot(s) who will monitor autonomous operations and manually fly the tanker drone when necessary. That Command Centre, btw, is towed on a trailer. But it has been designed to quickly detach and the entire operation can be lifted by helicopter to any location where it’s required.

SkyScout Ai came to test its technology in advance of forthcoming demonstrations for the media, First Responders and other decision makers.

During testing, a small fire was set using a small fire starter brick placed on a stone. A thermal drone with RTK positioning was dispatched to locate the hotspot. In a full demo, that data and GPS location would be  automatically forwarded to First Responders or a tanker drone which would head to that spot to dispense Citrotech (which can not only inhibit, but also extinguish).

That was impressive. But there were two real show-stoppers.

In the first, a pile of dry tumbleweeds were treated with Citrotech by spraying a fine mist on them (this was done manually, but could easily be done by the tanker drone). Thirty minutes later, a pile of untreated tumbleweeds was placed directly adjacent to the treated section. Then Bethel ignited the untreated pile with a blow torch. Within seconds, flames were shooting about two metres in the air. The burn was rapidly spreading.

And when it hit the treated tumbleweed? It stopped dead. Nothing burned.

 

DRONE TANKER

 

In the second exercise, the drone tanker was filled with water. Two piles of tumbleweeds (one treated, one untreated) were again placed in a pile. The tumbleweeds were ignited and the Agras took off. From a distance of about four metres AGL, the spraying function was engaged. The blaze was extinguished in mere seconds.

So with near real-time detection using satellites and thermal drones, a tanker (or other First Responder, depending on the threat) could be dispatched literally within minutes of a lightning strike. And if that fire appeared to be growing and potentially threatening homes, vineyards, or other important infrastructure, the tanker could quickly coat these with Citrotech. Because it’s EPA-approved and food-safe, there’s no issue with spraying crops like grapes, cherries, etc. You could literally drink a glass of this stuff and be fine (though we didn’t try that).

Below: Shawn Bethel prepares to manually treat some dry brush with Citrotech

SkyScout AI Penticton Shawn Bethel

BUSINESS MODEL

 

Though the Citrotech is important, a key part of the value proposition is in the early detection and location of fires. The earlier a fire is detected, the better the odds of mitigation before it can get out of control.

Here, SkyScout Ai has the advantage of integrating that satellite data directly into its software – which can then trigger an immediate launch of one or multiple thermal drones. With RTK positioning, they can get a precise bead on the trouble spot – and send back not only thermal images but also high resolution photos/imagery that can be shared with First Responders. Depending on the size of the conflagration and location, a tanker drone can also be dispatched.

So the primary business model would be to have a contracts with cities adjacent to forests. The docks with thermal drones would be installed at strategic locations as the first line of defense, with a tanker drone on standby. There’s also the option, as mentioned, to lift the entire command centre by helicopter to a location where it’s urgently needed.

 

CITROTECH

 

The fire inhibitor, of course, could be dispensed by drone in the above scenario. But SkyScout Ai has an exclusive distribution contract for Citrotech’s product (known as Mighty Fire Breaker MFB-31) for all of Canada. It has plans to sell the product to individuals or companies that would like to have it handy for the ability to treat their buildings or property in advance of a threat. (Citrotech washes off in the rain, but there’s generally not much rain happening during the drought-like conditions that generally precede major wildfires. When sprayed prior to painting or staining, it remains effective.) So this product is definitely part of the equation.

“The secret sauce also is the addition of citrotech,” says Geoff Griffiths. “That fire inhibitor is the only fire inhibitor certified by the EPA in the US. It’s a non-toxic option that hasn’t existed before, and as you can see by our demonstration is highly effective.”

Griffiths says the timing for the SkyScout Ai solution is perfect.

“Obviously climate change is driving a lot of the wildfire activity that we’re seeing across the world. And regulators, government, private industry now realize that the standard ways they’ve approached wildfires in the past aren’t working or maybe aren’t good enough anymore. They’re open to new approaches. Add in the drone technology, satellite detection, and it’s a critical extra step in the evolution of a solution.”

Below: SkyScout Ai’s first Mobile Command Centre. The entire unit can be quickly detached from its trailer and transported by helicopter to remote locations. Image two: InDro’s Dr. Eric Saczuk prepares a DJI Agras T-40 for flight. Scott Simmie photos

 

SkyScout AI Penticton
SkyScout Ai Eric Saczuk

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We’ve been involved with wildfire operations in the past. In Kelowna last year, we were called upon to help detect hotspots indicating subterranean combustion at a landfill. Locating and extinguishing hotspots like these (or burning tree roots – which can burn for weeks and reignite new fires), are also a critical part of wildfire suppression.

When SkyScout Ai was being formed, InDro Robotics was involved.

“We’re assisting with technology on the drone side of things,” says InDro Robotics CEO Philip Reece.

“We’re providing pilots and other technical support. For example, we’re putting our InDro Command module onto the drones. This enables not only Command and Control via 5G and dense data throughput, but also the integration of all of the drone data into the SkyScout Ai dashboard. As the company grows and Transport Canada regulations change, we anticipate assisting with the R&D required for much larger tanker drones…

“Wildfires can be devastating and the models unfortunately predict will only get worse. We’re proud to be assisting with Scout Ai’s innovative solution.”

You can learn more about Scout Ai right here.

New TC Advisory Circular contains guidance for night BVLOS flight – and much more

New TC Advisory Circular contains guidance for night BVLOS flight – and much more

Jun 7, 2024 | Education and Training, Industry News, Kate Klassen, Scott Simmie, Transport Canada

By Scott Simmie

 

A new Advisory Circular from Transport Canada is generating a lot of buzz in Canada’s RPAS world.

Although an Advisory Circular is not legislation, they offer guidance and a glimpse of what the regulator is planning for the future.

“Advisory circulars are one of the methods that Transport Canada can use to provide guidance on complying with regulations,” explains Kate Klassen, Training and Regulatory Specialist at InDro Robotics. Klassen is an instructor and pilot of traditional aircraft as well as drones. Her online courses have trained more than 10,000 RPAS pilots in Canada. She has also served as Co-Chair of the Canadian Drone Advisory Committee, or CanaDAC.

“It kind of acts like a preview, foreshadowing in a way the regulations we know are coming later this fall. This one in particular is exciting because of the depth of guidance that they’ve provided,” she says.

Here’s how Transport Canada describes the purpose of the Advisory Circular – entitled Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Operational Risk Assessment – in its introduction:

“This Advisory Circular (AC) is provided for information and guidance purposes. It describes an example of an acceptable means, but not the only means, of demonstrating compliance with regulations and standards. This AC on its own does not change, create, amend or permit deviations from regulatory requirements, nor does it establish minimum standards.

“This AC provides information and guidance to manufacturers and operators intending to develop or operate a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) for operations in accordance with the requirements of Part IX, Subpart 3 of the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs).”

The document itself is 131 pages, and a lot of it is dense and laden with acronyms. But for operators planning complex operations down the road – including the potential of flying BVLOS at night – the highly detailed guidance offered in the document is a gold mine. It goes into extraordinarily fine detail about carrying out Risk Assessment in a variety of scenarios.

Below: Screengrab from InDro research into urban wind tunnels being carried out for the National Research Council. This was a highly complex operation involving a heavier drone in a dense urban setting and required a Special Flight Operations Certificate. The new Advisory Circular helps spell out precisely what TC is looking for from operators to ensure safe operations in multiple scenarios

 

 

NRC Urban Wind Tunnel Eric

RISK ASSESSMENT AND SFOCs

 

Back in the early days of drones, pretty much every flight required special permission – an SFOC – from Transport Canada. As drone technology and reliability/robustness improved and the regulator collaborated with the industry, detailed regulations for RPAS were first issued in 2019.

That change meant what we could generally term as routine, low-risk flights with drones weighing up to 25 kilograms could be carried out without an SFOC, providing the operator met all criteria laid out in the Canadian Aviation Regulations, Part IX. That included requirements that the operator have a Basic or Advanced RPAS Certificate to operate small RPAS. TC also established its drone portal, where compliant drones weighing more than 250 grams are registered and assigned a number by the regulator. All of this was, in general, very good news for the RPAS industry.

But for those more complicated operations – generally meaning operations with greater risk – an SFOC was still required to satisfy Transport Canada that the operation could be carried out safely. Specifically, as the AC points out, SFOCs were (and are) still required in these circumstances:

“No person shall conduct any of the following operations using a remotely piloted aircraft system that includes a remotely piloted aircraft having a maximum take-off weight of 250 g (0.55 pounds) or more unless the person complies with the provisions of a special flight operations certificate — RPAS issued by the Minister under section 903.03:

(a)  the operation of a system that includes a remotely piloted aircraft having a maximum take-off weight of more than 25 kg (55 pounds);

(b)  the operation of a system beyond visual line-of sight, as referred to in subsection 901.11(2);

(c)  the operation of a system by a foreign operator or pilot who has been authorized to operate remotely piloted aircraft systems by the foreign state;

(d)  the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft at an altitude greater than those referred to in subsection 901.25(1), unless the operation at a greater altitude is authorized under subsection 901.71(2);

(e)  the operation of more than five remotely piloted aircraft at a time from a single control station, as referred to in subsection 901.40(2);

(f)  the operation of a system at a special aviation event or at an advertised event, as referred to in section 901.41;

(g)  the operation of a system when the aircraft is transporting any of the payloads referred to in subsection 901.43(1);

(h)  the operation of a remotely piloted aircraft within three nautical miles of an aerodrome operated under the authority of the Minister of National Defence, as referred to in subsection 901.47(3); and

(i)  any other operation of a system for which the Minister determines that a special flight operations certificate — RPAS is necessary to ensure aviation safety or the safety of any person.”

“In order to be issued an SFOC – RPAS, an operator must submit an application to the Minister as detailed in CAR 903.02. In particular, CAR 903.02 (p) indicates that in addition to the specific information required by 903.02 (a) through (o), the operator must submit “any other information requested by the Minister pertinent to the safe conduct of the operation”. For certain complex operations, as determined during the application process, an Operational Risk Assessment (ORA), acceptable to the Minister, is one of the items of ‘other information’ required in support of an application for an SFOC – RPAS.”

It’s that last paragraph that’s particularly relevant to this Advisory Circular.

 

COMPLEX PROCESS

 

The issue, as many operators discovered, was that applying for an SFOC wasn’t a slam-dunk. It’s not uncommon for TC to come back – sometimes more than once – asking for more details or requesting additional steps or precautions. This slowed the approval process, which was frustrating for operators. Some conveyed to regulators that there wasn’t enough clear guidance to ensure operators were meeting TC’s detailed expectations.

“So it made the SFOC application process for those more complex operations challenging as both parties were trying to sort out what the requirements needed to be to keep things safe,” explains Klassen.

The new Advisory Circular spells out, in detail, precisely what Transport Canada is looking for from operators. It contains multiple protocols, including the fine details of carrying out standardized risk assessments, that will be of benefit to all operators – even in cases where an SFOC is not required. Klassen believes the new document is the direct result of discussions between operators and TC. In addition to making complex operations safer, it provides all the fine print to assist operators in getting everything right the first time with SFOC applications.

“This Advisory Circular, I think, is a result of all of the back-and-forths between those RPAS operators who have been pursuing the boundary-pushing applications, and Transport Canada. TC has been able to accumulate all of that guidance in one location so that the process is streamlined.”

We’ll hit on a few highlights – including BVLOS at night – but the document is so thorough and dense that we’ll link so that operators can download and study it themselves. The Advisory Circular is so detailed that it’s not easy to synopsise, as you’ll gather from the following table of contents. (Don’t worry if some of the acronyms are unfamiliar; there’s an extensive glossary):

TC Advisory Circular
TC Advisory Circular
TC Advisory Circular

WHAT’S NEW

 

This is actually a revision to a previously published Advisory Circular. Because it contains so much information, TC thoughtfully provided a round-up of what’s new – and there’s quite a bit that is.

It contains the following changes to definitions:

  1. Airport / Heliport Environment was renamed Aerodrome Environment and a 3000 ft (915 m) AGL maximum altitude provision was added.
  2. (ii)  The Atypical Airspace infrastructure masking provision was clarified, and a low altitude night provision was added. (We’ve bolded this because it’s kind of a big deal, and we’ll get to it.)
  3. (iii)  Operating Weight definition was added to support changes to ground risk assessment.

In addition, ground risk assessment now relies on the weight of the drone rather than a kinetic energy calculation. Thresholds are now based on the most recently available population density numbers, rather than just a description of the area.

All ground risk scores now assume BVLOS operations; if you are carrying out a VLOS operation that is included as a mitigating factor.

There’s more, of course. But the most attention-grabbing line from above is the provision for low-altitude BVLOS at night. This will obviously require a risk assessment and SFOC, but it’s expected this will be included in legislation anticipated this fall (Canada Gazette 2). And that opens a lot of doors for operators.

“You could fly BVLOS along power lines, transmission lines because there’s not going to be an aircraft within 100 feet vertically of that. You could also carry out deliveries at night, pending airspace,” says Klassen.

It’s also worth noting that Transport Canada had previously indicated that routine, low-risk BVLOS flights will be permitted in the forthcoming regulatory amendments. An additional level of Transport Canada pilot certification will be required for such flights.

Below: With a satisfactory risk assessment and an SFOC, drones like this might be flying BVLOS missions at night when updated regulations are released sometime in the fall of 2024

 

HIGHLIGHTS

 

When Kate Klassen went through the AC, she was impressed with the extraordinary level of detail. Every step of risk assessment and mitigation is thoroughly described, with examples in the appendices.

Many operators will be familiar with risk assessment tools. But there will also be many, particularly those who currently carry out very basic, non-complex operations, who might know the acronyms but little beyond them. This is very much a “how-to” document.

An Operational Risk Assessment (ORA) is a very methodical process – once you know the method. And here, TC outlines the specific steps laid out by the JARUS (Joint Authorities for Rulemaking on Unmanned Systems) SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) process. (There are some minor tweaks here, which are explained, to optimize this for the Canadian environment.)

The AC walks you through every step of the process, and includes graphics. The document takes a much deeper dive than this overview, with each phase of risk assessment explored in detail. This, however, gives you a glimpse:

TC Advisory Circular JARUS SORA

OPERATIONAL VOLUME

 

The document also defines something critical for any risk assessment – what it calls the “Operational Volume.” This involves calculating boundaries beyond the planned flight operations for safety/mitigation/contingency purposes.

Here’s how the Circular defines it:

TC Advisory Circular Operational Volume

“ATYPICAL AIRSPACE”

 

One of the things that caught Klassen’s keen eye was the definition of Atypical Airspace. Here’s the wording from the Advisory Circular:

  1. (i)  Restricted Airspace, with authorization from the person specified in the Designated Airspace Handbook TP1820 or in a NOTAM.
  2. (ii)  Northern Domestic Airspace as defined in the Designated Airspace Handbook, outside an Aerodrome Environment, at a maximum altitude of 400 ft (122 m) AGL.
  3. (iii)  Within 100 feet (30 m) above and within 200 feet (61 m) horizontally from any building or structure which stands out vertically beyond the adjacent surface of surrounding terrain with sufficient size and shape to be noticeable to the pilot of a traditional aircraft in flight.
  4. (iv)  Within the hours of legal night, in uncontrolled airspace outside of an Aerodrome Environment, at a maximum altitude of 400 ft (122 m) AGL.

Why is this extension to the definition of Atypical Airspace (AA) exciting? When an operation takes place in AA, the Air Risk Class is automatically assigned as “a” (ARC-a). This lowers the relative SAIL, depending on your Ground Risk Class, and therefore the requirements to meet the operational safety objectives are simpler. It will give you a much easier time applying for and obtaining your SFOC due in major part to the Detect and Avoid options available to you to use.

Below: With adequate lighting (and more safety precautions), operating at night provides some interesting BVLOS opportunities!

 

INDRO’S TAKE

 

Transport Canada’s new Advisory Circular is an important, detailed, and well thought-out document. Yet again, TC is attempting to make things easier for professional operators while striking that critical balance of safety – both in the air and on the ground.

“The past decade has seen both tremendous advances in the reliability and safety of drones, and – after some initial resistance in the early days – tremendous willingness on the part of Transport Canada to safely open up new opportunities for the industry at large,” says InDro Robotics CEO Philip Reece.

“The level of detail in the Advisory’s extensive sections on Risk Assessment will be of great benefit to operators – and to the safe expansion of the industry into other use-cases, including BVLOS flights at night. We commend those at Transport Canada for both the vision and thought put into this document, and look forward to the new regulatory changes.”

You can download the Advisory Circular here.

Aergility hits major milestone with untethered ATLIS hover test

Aergility hits major milestone with untethered ATLIS hover test

May 22, 2024 | Advanced Air Mobility, CAAM, Industry News, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

A US-based company called Aergility just hit a major milestone worth recognising. The company’s uncrewed cargo vehicle, called ATLIS, successfully completed multiple untethered test hovers on May 10.

This is a big deal on the path toward commercialisation for Aergility, which has designed an aircraft unlike any other we’ve seen. It’s a VTOL with a small fixed wing that also employs managed autogyro technology to assist in lift.

We first saw this just over two years ago in Florida, at the AUVSI show. The company was attracting a lot of attention because of its range (800km/500 miles) and payload capabilities (300 pounds then; since upgraded to 500 pounds).

At the time, the product on the floor still required further integration and FAA permission before test flights could commence. Last fall, Aergility conducted successful tethered test flights – but this was the first time it was in a free hover, manually controlled by a pilot. In all, there were four test hovers, each lasting roughly a minute. Pitch, yaw and control functions were successfully tested. The aircraft also flew out of ground effect mode, to a height of six metres (20′).

“The solid performance of ATLIS in its initial and subsequent hover flights gives us the confidence to move to forward flight testing in early June. We are excited about demonstrating the full potential of ATLIS to our stakeholders,” said Jim Vander Mey, CEO of Aergility Corporation.

We’ll get into far more details about this aircraft in a moment. But first, here’s a look at a video Aergility just posted showcasing the event.

 

A CLOSER LOOK AT ATLIS

 

The beauty of ATLIS is its simplicity.

Takeoff (and hovering) is accomplished by six electrically powered rotors (the commercial version will feature eight rotors in four coaxial pairs for redundancy purposes).

Once airborne, the front tractor turboprop spins up and the aircraft begins forward flight with no awkward transition. The VTOL stage of flight lasts only about 30 seconds, so ATLIS doesn’t need to carry massive batteries.

As the forward speed increases, the power supplied to the lifting motors is reduced and eventually tapers to net zero when ATLIS reaches reaches an airspeed of 112-128 km/hr (70-80 mph). In forward flight, airspeed spins the lifting rotors.

But these rotors aren’t simply freely spinning. Remember this is “managed autogyration” – which means ATLIS is in control of the RPMs at all time – with the ability to slow some or speed up others.

“We get our forward propulsion from a turboprop, and airflow goes through the rotors to provide autogyro-type of lift,” explained Brian Vander Mey, Aergility’s head of Business Development and Partnerships.
 
“Our wings provide a portion of lift during cruise flight, but the rotors themselves carry about 40 per cent of the lift.”
 

CONTROL SURFACES

 

Although there are control surfaces for testing in the current version of ATLIS (trim tabs and a rudder for slow-speed manoeuvering), the eventual version for clients will have no control surfaces. Pitch, roll and yaw functions in both hover and forward flight operate in a similar fashion to a standard quadcopter, with variations in speed between the different lifting rotors resulting in the desired manoeuvre.

“To summarize the technology, essentially the aircraft takes off and lands vertically like a normal multi-rotor aircraft,” says Brian Vander Mey.

“But in forward flight the power for our rotors slowly tapers off until it’s down to zero net power for forward flight…(that’s where) our rotors go into a state that we call managed autorotation. It is called that because of the fine control we have over the autorotation state, allowing us to stay at net zero power while still having attitude and maneuvering control – which would expend net power in a quadcopter.”

Remember, Aergility is in control of those RPMs at all times. That means if pitch, yaw or roll are required, it can accomplish this by putting the brakes on the appropriate rotors and speeding up others. In doing so, similar to a Tesla, regenerative braking is involved.

“So if we need to make some sort of a banking maneuver, we may accelerate rotors on one side and brake rotors on the other side, which both consumes and generates power, but in equal proportions. So we end up maintaining net zero power usage across the whole system.”

In other words, the energy created by putting the brakes on one rotor generates electricity that is applied to another. Because of this design, ATLIS doesn’t have to carry much battery power, which means lower battery weight and greater payload capacity.

“That means that our range is only limited by the amount of fuel that we have on board.”

Below: An image from an Aergility information deck shows how the system works

Aergility Deck

REMOTE LOCATIONS, LIMITED INFRASTRUCTURE

 

Its impressive payload capacity and range make ATLIS ideal for getting critical cargo to remote locations, or places with limited infrastructure. It requires only a 9m x 9m (roughly 30′ x 30′) space for takeoff of landing, and the company says it has a small downwash and noise signature.

This makes it ideal, says Brian Vander Mey, for multiple use-case scenarios. It is perfect, he says, for “anywhere that is difficult to access due to its remoteness, or where the cost of getting there is prohibitive, or areas with non-existent, limited, or damaged infrastructure.”

He then offers a few examples:

“This could include places like Puerto Rico, where all of the roads were destroyed by Hurricane Maria. It could be used in mining, oil & gas – really anywhere that fits that profile that it’s hard, dangerous or expensive to get there via other means.

“Canada may be one of the biggest potential opportunities. We’ve spoken with Canada Post and learned of the challenges delivering to the northern regions and First Nations communities, and with the massive wildfire problems, this aircraft can address remote support.”

CEO Jim Vander Mey adds: “We look forward to the impact this technology will have on various industries, including logistics, disaster relief, and military applications.”

 

 

COMMERCIAL VERSION

 

The current version of ATLIS will be going through further testing, starting with forward flight in June of 2024. Meanwhile, the team is also looking ahead to a new iteration of ATLIS intended for production for clients. Lessons have been learned – as always in R&D – that can help improve the next generation. The cargo hold will be larger and modular, the rotors will be higher off the ground to allow ground crews to move safely below the aircraft, and the previously mentioned eight-rotor coaxial VTOL system will be incorporated.

“That will enable us to lose one to two rotors and still complete a mission – not simply just be able to get down to the ground under control,” says Brian Vander Mey.

And remember how ATLIS is only required to carry minimal batteries because the period of hovering is quite brief? An onboard generator that’s part of the turboprop engine recharges those batteries completely in as little as eight to 10 minutes during forward flight. And if that generator stops working? Aergility has a solution for that, as well.

“In the event the generator was to fail, we can change the angle of attack of the aircraft,” he says.

In other words, pitch down slightly to increase the airspeed spinning those VTOL rotors.

“So the entire aircraft has more aerodynamic energy coming across the rotors and we can recharge directly off of the rotors from forward flight without the the intermediate generator on the motor.”

As stated, this machine can fly 800 kilometres (500 miles) carrying 227 kg (500 pounds). That also means it could fly shorter distances with a heavier payload – or an exceptionally long range if the payload is additional fuel. Vander Mey says the commercial version of ATLIS will be able to fly some 3,400km (1900 miles) if that cargo bay is carrying additional fuel as its payload.

Below: More data from a supplied Aergility information deck:

 

 

THE COMING WORLD OF AAM

 

Uncrewed cargo vehicles like ATLIS will play an important role in the coming world of Advanced Air Mobility – where airspace is shared between traditional aircraft and this new generation of vehicles. The FAA and Transport Canada have their own long-term plans on achieving this integrated airspace and both regulators are fully onboard with this vision of the future. Uncrewed vehicles will (generally) offer more sustainable flight, and be able to drop into locations unreachable except by helicopters at a reduced cost.

We’ve written about this world at length here. It’s also worth mentioning that in Canada, the lobby organization the Canadian Advanced Air Mobility Consortium is working closely with regulators and the industry to ensure a smooth transition forward.

There’s no question that under-serviced areas and remote locations – including those with zero traditional aviation infrastructure – will benefit greatly. There’s also, of course, the important use-cases of getting emergency supplies into disaster zones.

That world isn’t going to happen tomorrow. Nor is the FAA certification of ATLIS – a meticulous and time-consuming process that will truly begin when the commercial version of the aircraft is built. In the meantime, Aergility is operating with a Special Airworthiness Certificate (SAC-EC) from the FAA. It also has Certificates of Authorization (COAs) that cover an area near its local hangar, which grants permission for forward flight testing within a specific area (roughly 10 square miles, or 2,590 hectares). It also allows for flights at higher altitudes.

 

WAIVERS

 

When it comes to commercial applications, Aergility knows that process will be lengthy. It’s following standards set up by ASTM International during all phases of design, construction and testing.

“Industry standards are being developed through organizations like ASTM,” says Brian Vander Mey. “We expect that by aligning our processes with what ASTM is developing, that will be the the cleanest path to permission to operate in the US.”

And until that coveted certification is reached? Aergility says FAA Waivers for specific operations will be obtained to enable commercial flights for operations until then.

“We don’t need Waivers for our own testing because of our special FAA permissions. But potentially we’ll have clients initially flying under Waivers.”

 
 
Aergility ATLIS

INDRO’S TAKE

 

We were impressed with ATLIS from the moment we first saw the vehicle. Its cargo capacity and range filled a void, and the managed autogyration is an ingenious concept. But it’s one thing to see a static, non-functioning display on a convention floor – and quite something else to see this machine carry out multiple stable hovers.

“Aviation R&D is a very tricky business, and becomes more complex with larger aircraft intended for eventual certification,” says InDro Robotics CEO Philip Reece.

“This is an incredible milestone for ATLIS and the Aergility team. We see great potential for this aircraft in multiple use-case scenarios, and look forward to success in the upcoming forward flights.”

To learn more about Aergility and its progress, check out its website here. You can also follow Aergility on LinkedIn here.

 

Blue Books offer crucial guides for First Responder RPAS programs

Blue Books offer crucial guides for First Responder RPAS programs

Mar 28, 2024 | First Responders, InDro News, Industry News, Kate Klassen, Scott Simmie

By Scott Simmie

 

There are two important tools available for First Responders who use RPAS in their work.

No, they’re not drones. Instead, they are guides for developing safe and effective RPAS programs – and for carrying out low-risk BVLOS flight in the near future. These “Blue Books” are intended for fire departments, Search and Rescue organisations – and more.

These guides came about because the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association and the Search and Rescue Volunteer Association of Canada identified a need for clear and credible reference documents. InDro Robotics received the contract to pull these books together, under the expertise of Kate Klassen and with a generous grant from the Government of Canada’s Search and Rescue New Initiatives Fund.

Kate was an early adopter in the drone world and already had a solid background in traditional aviation. She’s a flight instructor with multi-engine and Instrument Flight Rules ratings, as well as ratings for flying at night. She loves nothing more (with the exception of her two young daughters) than poring through regulations and working with bodies like Transport Canada to help safely advance the use of drones in Canadian airspace.

In other words, she was perfect for the job.

That’s Kate, in her element, below:

 

DRONES AND FIRST RESPONDERS 

These days, you’d be hard-pressed to find a First Responder organization that doesn’t have some kind of drone program. RPAS have been particularly helpful in Search and Rescue operations, including night searches using thermal sensors. Many people have been rescued quickly and safely as a result. The use of drones has also helped keep First Responders out of harm’s way. For example, it’s much safer to locate a person lost on a frozen lake with a drone and then dispatch a rescue team to precise coordinates rather than having that crew roaming around on potentially hazardous conditions.

They’re also a tremendous tool for firefighting operations. Not only do they supply immediate situational awareness that can be securely shared with decision makers down the line, but thermal sensors can also detect hot spots invisible to the naked eye. Police departments and even paramedics routinely use drones in operations. (In one example from Renfrew County, a drone was put up immediately following a tornado for damage assessment and to search for any injured people.) So drones are here to stay.

 

A REVOLUTION 

It’s not an exaggeration to say that drones have truly revolutionised the work carried out by these organizations. But it’s easy to forget that this has been a recent development.

DJI released its original Phantom drone back in 2013. At the time, it didn’t come with a camera and you had to attach a GoPro. Smart tinkerers figured out how to modify those GoPros so that the pilot could stream real-time video. Another company, Draganfly, was producing basic drones even earlier and selling them to law enforcement and other First Responders.

But drones weren’t widely known, and many of the use-cases now so common had not even yet been conceived.

A few early adopters began purchasing drones for First Responder work. It was largely trial and error, as people experimented with using drones for SAR, strategic monitoring of fires, photographing accident scenes – and more. Results started to be shared by word of mouth and at conferences. Drones were gaining traction.

Yet it wasn’t so easy to just pop up a drone in those early days. Transport Canada at the time was rightly cautious about these new devices, and pretty much any flight back then required a Special Flight Operations Certificate, even if you were flying within line of sight. Unless you managed to get a blanket SFOC, it was against the regulations to simply put a drone without that long SFOC process.

 

AN EVOLUTION

As the technology improved and the utility and safety was recognised, things began to shift. More and more First Responders started adding drones to their tool kit. And Transport Canada eventually modified (and continues to modify) its regulations to safely integrate drone operations into the national air space.

If that sounds like progress, it was. But still, there was a hitch. Organizations were creating their own ad-hoc drone operations. They were doing their best, but there was really no Best Practices guide to help inform First Responders on how to create an effective program. Yes, there was piecemeal information if you wanted to endlessly surf the internet, but there wasn’t a single repository of knowledge that could be used as a guide. What qualifications are required? What type of drone is best for the job? What scheduled maintenance is necessary and why?

And that’s how the idea for the Blue Book series came about.

Below: One of the early DJI Phantoms, with an integrated camera and gimbal system.

Canada Drone Companies

THE BLUE BOOKS

The first Blue Book was released in November of 2022 and is available for members of First Responder, Search and Rescue and Fire Departments here. Kate Klassen worked extensively with the various interested parties to ensure that the book was specifically tailored to the needs of these organizations. It quickly became the reference guide for those implementing or improving their drone operations.

“I think it prevents a lot of trial and error so that folks don’t have to learn all the lessons the hard way,” explains Klassen.

“A lot of fire departments are poorly funded, and I’m sure that goes for SAR as well. So you want to be smart with the dollars that you put towards tools like this. The guide supports making sure you’re not wasting money on poor aircraft decisions or poor personnel decisions.”

That initial Blue Book is entitled “Remotely Piloted Aircraft Program Development Guide, First Edition.” It’s a comprehensive blueprint for starting an operation from scratch, or improving an existing operation. Sections in the book include:

  • Training and certification regulations and resources
  • Airspace operations
  • Aircraft budget considerations, maintenance, payload and staffing
  • First Responder deployment

There’s much more, but you get the idea. And while it’s called the Blue Book, it’s really the gold standard of guides for First Responder operations.

 

BLUE BOOK II

The newest edition was launched last week, with Kate Klassen conducting a webinar to go over the highlights. This edition is geared toward routine, low-risk Beyond Visual Line of Sight flight. Obviously, particularly in Search and Rescue operations, being able to dispatch a drone over long distances can be critical in locating missing parties. And while Transport Canada does offer some leeway for First Responders in this regard, BVLOS is going to become more routine.

Transport Canada plans to deploy new BVLOS regulations. While SFOCs were previously required, the new rules (anticipated in 2025) will permit BVLOS flights in lower risk scenarios. Specifically, within uncontrolled airspace and outside of populated areas.

But even lower risk BVLOS is higher risk than Visual Line of Sight flights. And so Blue Book II takes a deep dive into the coming regulations. These regs include a new type of RPAS certificate required for low-risk BVLOS operations called a Level One Complex Certificate. Obtaining this certificate will require obtaining additional ground school education, as well as a more complex in-person Flight Review. Operators will have to maintain specific skillsets and recency in order to take on these BVLOS flights.

Among the contents of Blue Book II:

  • Defining BVLOS
  • Policy developments, procedures and checklists
  • Detect and Avoid, Mission Planning, Human Factors

There’s also an entire section on Specific Operational Risk Assessment (SORA), including Ground Risk Class Assessment (GRC), Air Risk Class Assessment (ARC), Tactical Mitigation Performance Requirements (TMPR) and Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL).

“This manual is a guide for preparing your RPAS program in fire or search and rescue organizations for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations,” states its introduction, co-written by CAFC President Chief Ken McMullen, SARVAC President Janelle Coultes and CASARA President Dale Krisch.

“The book is designed to be relevant to both fire departments and search and rescue (SAR) organizations, all hazard, emergency operations or fire suppression. Whether your fire department or SAR organization is expanding their use of RPAS into beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations or whether it is advanced in the domain, we hope will find useful information in this manual.”

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank every member of the committee that worked on this manual and its predecessor Blue Book I which addresses the development of an RPAS program. We would also like to thank Kate Klassen at InDro Robotics who managed the process and held the pen to get the committee to their overall goal. This manual is in great part due to her substantive and process expertise.”

Although the Blue Books are specifically intended for those who are members of Search and Rescue organisations and Fire Departments, some exceptions are made for those in related First Responder fields. You can request a copy of the Blue Books at the bottom of the page here.

Below: A paramedic deploys a drone

Paramedics Use Drones

INDRO’S TAKE 

Kate Klassen has been a tremendous asset to the Canadian drone space for a decade. Her regulatory expertise and willingness to assist in shaping sound practices and policies are widely known. Her online RPAS courses have trained more than 10,000 drone pilots in Canada, and her online portal FLYY continues to help new pilots obtain their Basic and Advanced RPAS Certificates (including Flight Reviews). Kate has served as the co-chair of Transport Canada’s Drone Advisory Committee (CanaDAC), is on the board of the Aerial Evolution Association of Canada, and has previously served on the board of COPA – the Canadian Owners and Pilots Association.

“These guides were pretty labour-intensive, but I’m pleased to have worked closely with these various associations and individuals to pull together what we believe to be a Best Practices manual that truly reflects the needs of these specific organizations and use-cases,” says Klassen.

“We are also always willing to work with any company that has a drone program to produce a guide tailored specifically for their operations, ensuring consistency and safety across all operations. We are also building out specific Micro-Credential courses in areas like thermal/hyperspectral imaging, surveying, precision agriculture and more. These are highly-focused, hands-on courses that quickly bring operators up to speed on new and complex skill sets.”

In addition, InDro Robotics manages the Drone and Advanced Robot Training and Testing (DARTT) facility at Area X.O in Ottawa, which includes both classroom space and a netted drone enclosure.

If you’re interested in discussing your RPAS program needs, whether for training or a company/industry-specific manual, you can get in touch with Kate right here.