Unmanned Marine Vehicle

Unmanned Vehicles are remote guided vehicles or autonomous vehicles capable of sensing their environment and navigating on their own. This week I would like to talk about an unmanned vehicle that is not aviation related. My second favorite thing outside of flying is swimming. Therefore, this weeks focus will be on an Autonomous Marine System. I am sure most of you haven’t heard about the underwater drone called “Pioneer.” Blueyes “Pioneer” drone was born and developed in Norway. The Co-Founder of Blueye Robotics is Christine Spiten. I first read about Blueye Robotics at thedronegirl.com where I was once featured in the Drone Girls Profile .

Pioneering the Underwater Drone

Blueye Robotics strives to create an outstanding underwater experience for its customers. Their goal is to allow everyday people like me learn and discover more about the world below. The Blueye Pioneer is controlled just like any other drone, by a smartphone or a tablet. The underwater drone can be used for hobby, research or business purposes. Just like any other unmanned vehicle, the “Pioneer” can be used to inspect and identify problems before any incidents occur. Personally, I can see the “Pioneer” being useful for research purposes, as it can easily record and save both images and videos of the underwater world. Lastly,  I can also see the underwater drone being a useful tool for fishermen. Whether you are a scientist, diver, fisherman/woman or a hobbyist the “Pioneer” will be a useful tool for you.

Pioneering the Underwater Drone

Blueye Robotics strives to create an outstanding underwater experience for its customers. Their goal is to allow everyday people like me learn and discover “more of the last wilderness on earth.” The Pioneer is controlled just like any other drone is controlled, by a smartphone or a tablet. The underwater drone can be used for hobby, research or business purposes. Just like any other unmanned aerial vehicle the “Pioneer” for inspection purposes, to inspect and identify problems before any incidents occur. Personally, I can see the “Pioneer” being useful for research purposes, because it can easily record and save both images and videos of the underwater world. Lastly,  I can see the underwater drone being a useful tool for fishermen. Whether you are a scientist, diver, fisherman or a hobbyist the “Pioneer” will be a useful tool for you.

The Pioneer 

Blueye “Pioneer” is an underwater drone that can be immersed up to 150 meters. It’s wide-angle video camera is capable of working in low-light conditions and as a result it overcomes color changes that occur several feet underwater. “Red colors begin to vanish, and the underwater world becomes green or blue” (Christine Spiten). A custom algorithm was created to add color back in the videos and photos. The underwater drone camera is capable of capturing HD footage.

Blueye “Pioneer” can operate for more than two hour, it weighs 15 lbs. and travels at a speed of 2.5 meters/second (5 knots). It is completely stable and can operate in all conditions. Blueye “Pioneer” is currently available for pre-order. The first shipments will be shipped out sometime in 2018. If you want to be among the first to experience the underwater world feel free to visit their page and pre-order. For $6,000 or a $150 deposit you will receive the “Pioneer Drone, Wireless Surface Unit (WSU), 75 meter cable (upgradeable for deeper dives, Blueye wireless controller, Battery charger and the Blueye app.

Lets explore our worlds hidden surfaces together.

Information about the underwater drone was found from the sites below.

https://www.blueyerobotics.com

https://assets.contentful.com/qpo1z0ycuc50/5E54kT9LkAeQCYmIkS6kME/ce7a4006de6d3d9d09313b3d6f757e58/Deepest_Underwater_Consumer_Drone_from_Blueye_Robotics_Reveals_Ocean_Depths_Previously_Unseen_by_Non-Scientists.pdf

 

 

Multispectral sensors

New technologies are changing the way farmers manage their farms. Sensors such as the multispectral sensor are enabling farmers to effectively gather crop health information in a timely manner. Prior to using drones farmers depended on satellites or manned aircraft. With satellite farmers did not have the freedom to fly their drones and use a multispectral sensor to collect data whenever they would like. They have to wait to collect their crop health data. Flying a drone with multispectral sensor is a cost-effective way of gathering data, unlike using manned-aircraft.

Collecting Data

Multispectral imaging sensors allow farmers to gather crop health data anytime a farmer would like to. After the data is processed farmers can manage fertilizer, pesticides and irrigation more effectively.  Not only does cutting down the use of fertilizer, pesticides and water save farmers money but it tremendously benefits the environment. Multispectral cameras use Green, Red, Red-Edge and Near Infrared wavebands to capture both visible and invisible light from vegetation. After a farmer captures data they need to upload the data for processing. After the raw data is processed the farmer will have meaningful information that will enable a farmer’s map the health and vigor of crops. They will be able to see problem areas which they will have to physically inspect in order to determine the real issue. Not only will farmers find problem areas quicker while using a multispectral sensor but they will also be able to observe changes over time. Vegetation indices such as NDVI and NDRE give farmers great insights into the health of the plants.

MicaSense Red-Edge Sensor 

The sensor pictured above is the Red-Edge sensor by MicaSense. I had the pleasure of using it over the summer and I loved using it. The sensor is lightweight and provides accurate multi-band data for precision agriculture.

 

Information obtained from 

https://www.micasense.com/

Multispectral Imaging Camera Drones In Farming Yield Big Benefits

 

 

 

 

 

FlightWave EDGE™ UAS

I am sure majority of drone experts want to invest in a drone with a high endurance. I agree that a drones’ endurance is extremely important, especially if one is constantly flying missions that require a long flight time. Not only is a drones’ endurance important but its range and payload capabilities are also key factors to consider prior to purchasing a drone. Another crucial factor for me is its takeoff capabilities. Most fixed wing drones are launched either by a catapult or by throwing it up in the air. Personally, I want to invest in a drone that is a fixed wing with vertical takeoff and long endurance capabilities. Three weeks ago, I attended the Drone World Expo and I came across FlightWaves’ EDGE™ UAS. It is a drone capable of flying challenging missions in tough environments. 

Experience FlightWaves’ EDGE™ UAS

The EDGE™UAS is a fixed wing drone that can fly speeds of 100 km/hr. It also has a flight time of roughly 120 minutes, 100 km range and vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities. I love the fact that this drone effortlessly transitions from VTOL to horizontal flight. As a result, it requires no catapults, nets or a strong arm to throw it in the air. Another crucial factor is its quick, tool free and effortless assembly process. They are a lot of things I love about this drone, but I absolutely love the fact that it comes with a large, bright touch-screen controller for automated flight. As a drone operator that flies mostly automated flights for agriculture purposes, a touch screen controller is essential. Some automated flight apps are made to work only on Android devices and not on Apple devices. I had to purchase an Android device because Mission Planner is not available to Apple users. Not having to worry about buying a touch screen controller makes a drone operators life easier.

Important Specs

1. Vehicle Mass: 2.65 lb.
2. Maximum Payload Mass: .66 lb.
3. Endurance: 120 Minutes
4. Solar Endurance Boost: 47 Minutes
5. Maximum Cruise Speed: 58 mph
6. Maximum Wind Tolerance: 46 mph
7. Optimal Cruise Speed: 31 mph

You can find more information on this drone at https://www.flightwave.aero/edge-uas/ 

 

 

 

Separating & Keeping Track of Unmanned Traffic

The drone industry has come a long way but it still has a long way to go. Companies are eager to use drones for delivery purposes but we have a long way to go before that can happen. The FAA needs to quickly figure out how to track drones and safely integrated them into the national airspace. At the present moment the FAA has not come up with an effective way to monitor and track remotely piloted aircraft’s (RPAS). How do we ensure that certified drone pilots and hobbyists aren’t doing anything unlawful? If they are how do we make sure they are fined accordingly? Also, how do we separate manned and unmanned aircraft traffic? The answer to the aforementioned questions is simple; drones flying in the airspace have to be monitored and the pilot in command of the unmanned aircraft identified.

Keeping Track 

DJI released two technology white papers in response to ICAO’s RFI on UTM and related systems. “What’s In a Name?” A Call for a Balanced Remote Identification Approach was published on July 15^th, 2017. In the paper DJI suggested “The balanced approach that we propose to solve safety, security, and accountability concerns while taking into account operator privacy and safety, is to create an identification mechanism that provides localized identification without permanent recording or logging”. I personally believe that DJI’s proposal would aid authorities with keeping track of remotely piloted aircraft’s and know who is flying them. In a situation where an operator breaks the law it would be easy to identify the person and fine them accordingly.

Low Altitude Tracking and Avoidance System (LATAS)

Another challenge the drone industry is currently facing is effectively separating air traffic between manned and unmanned aircraft’s. PrecisionHawk partnered with other Aviation Leaders and created LATAS. It is the only platform that gives real time air traffic information and displays live FAA radar feeds. Drone operators that use the platform receive warnings when manned aircraft flights create a potential hazard in the area of operation. LATAS fly safer hardware is easily mounted to any drone. Data telemetry data is transferred twice per second and speed, positioning, heading, and altitude are tracked. I personally believe that in addition to using the LATAS platform, the FAA should employ several people solely responsible for monitoring unmanned aircraft’s in designated regions, similar to how Air Traffic Controllers monitor airplanes. Personally, I believe that every drone flying in the national airspace should come with an installed tracking and avoidance system like LATAS.

 

From Passion to Purpose

When I was a kid growing up in Kenya my father took me up for my first plane ride. It was like nothing I’d ever done or felt before, and I knew then that I had discovered my life’s passion. Five years later, at ten years old, I left Kenya for the United States. I was afraid and lost, but I held on to my passion and went on to study Aviation Administration and Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Lewis University. I was on my path and pursuing my passion, but I didn’t know then that something was missing.

Finding my purpose
At 23, I returned to Kenya and saw my father again for the first time since I’d left. He was and still is a coffee farmer, and it was on his farm that I discovered my purpose. During my time there I learned the struggles that farmers like him face. I learned that even though coffee is sold for $2 to $5 per pound, my father makes roughly $0.25 to $0.40 per pound. I learned about the lack of trust between international buyers and Kenyan farmers, and I learned about the poisoning of water supplies due to runoff from fertilizers.
I knew I had to help, but it wasn’t until I returned to the United States that a solution came to me. During one of my unmanned aircraft classes, I saw that my passion could become my purpose. I saw that through precision agriculture, farmers could both save money on fertilizers and improve transparency between themselves and international buyers. This would reduce the amount of dangerous runoff leaking into water supplies, increase the crop quality and yield, and make buyers more willing to trade directly with the farmers. This is how I chose to apply my passion. In December, I will return to Kenya to research how Unmanned Aircraft Systems can be beneficial to coffee farmers. Join me and follow my journey towards fulfilling my purpose.

 

Augmented Reality and Precision Agriculture

Going Mainstream

Augmented Reality (AR) enhances what we see by integrating computer generated graphics into the real world. Last week, Apple announced that the new iOS 11 will allow customers to experience augmented reality. I am sure a lot of people didn’t know what augmented reality is prior to Apples announcement last week, but that’s all about to change. According to CNBC, Robert Scoble a prominent tech evangelist stated that “Apple and Google will play a significant role in taking the technology mainstream”. As developers continue to learn more about augmented reality, the technology will become more advanced and transform our lives.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Augmented Reality

Not only is AR getting traction in the video game industry but it is slowly becoming popular within the drone industry. UAVs are now using augmented reality for gaming. Edgybees is an augmented reality drone racing game and Air Hog’s Connect Mission Drone is a game that allows its players to fly search and rescue missions.

In the commercial side of the industry, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are extremely beneficial. Not only are UAVs with augmented reality capabilities being used for gaming, but they are also being used for firefighting missions and disaster response. According to Commercial UAV NEWS, “drones from Boeing subsidiary Insitu and the Microsoft HoloLens are being used to make fighting forest fires a lot safer for firefighters”. Operators use the holographic tactical map to send resources where they are immediately required. In disaster response drones equipped with SmartCam3D can positively contribute to disaster relief. As per suasnews.com SmartCam3D uses “augmented reality overlays to live or recorded video, making it useful before, during and after a natural disaster”.

Precision Agriculture and Augmented Reality

As time passes AR will become more sophisticated and people in the drone industry will have access to cutting edge technology. I would like to see augmented reality being used in precision agriculture. UAVs in agriculture are used for mapping, surveying, and spraying. Unmanned Aerial Vehicles allow farmers to monitor their crops from a bird’s eye view. Ground level inspections are not efficient and they give a farmer limited visual information. Farmers can find problem areas easier and quicker with a UAV. The data collection process is easy and efficient as well. Once an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle captures images of a farm using a multispectral sensor, the images get uploaded into the cloud and afterwards processed. After that, the farmer will get an image like the image above. From looking at the image the farmer will be able to determine the problem areas. Unfortunately, the image won’t specifically tell the farmer what the problem is, because of this the farmer has no choice but to physically walk over to the problem area for further inspection. Instead of a farmer walking over to the problem area for further inspection, special sensors and cameras can be incorporated to enable augmented reality. As an alternative, a farmer can fly his drone over the farm and use a tablet to inspect the problem area. Whether the farm is visible on a tablet or as a hologram it shouldn’t matter as long as the farmer is able to identify what’s wrong with his crops. If one day this becomes a reality I am sure it will gain traction and farmers with hundreds of acres will be happy.

 

 

Future Plans

Breaking Ground 

The Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) industry is growing at an exponential rate. According to Bloomberg Technology, the UAS industry is expected to reach 127 billion by 2020. My first encounter with Remotely Piloted Aircraft’s (RPAS) took place in 2015 as a junior in college. The Introduction to Unmanned Aircraft Systems class I took that fall changed my life forever. This class helped me discover how drones can be used for jobs other than photography and filming. As my knowledge of the UAS industry grew, I immediately knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life flying RPAS and working within the UAS industry.

Paving the way

Most people that know me already know that I plan on using drones in the agriculture industry, but my dreams go beyond that. I am extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated support system. As a first-generation college graduate, life hasn’t always been easy and I know how difficult things can get. Many young women and men graduate from college in Kenya, but not every one of them gets a job upon graduating. After gaining experiences within the UAS industry and fulfilling my goals, I would like to go back to Kenya and open an Unmanned Aviation School. Instead of Kenya hiring experts from other countries to do UAS related jobs, it would make more sense to train and certify qualified Kenyan citizens for those jobs. Creating jobs within Kenya will lower poverty and generate more money for both the Kenyan government and Kenyan citizens. According to the KFW Bank aus Verantwortung, “creating jobs and incomes is crucial for development”. For Kenya to continue growing and developing as a country jobs that pay fairly must be created.

True Happiness

What is true happiness? True happiness for me is waking up each day knowing that I have made a difference in someone’s life. Therefore, I want to use my knowledge and love for the UAS industry to make a meaningful contribution to society. I have a long journey ahead of me, but don’t fret I have already taken the first step.

“The greatest good you can do for another is not just share your riches, but reveal to them their own.” ~ Disraeli

Benefits of using drones after a hurricane

Category Four

Hurricanes are huge storms that last about a week. Winds produced because of a hurricane can exceed speeds of 156 mph, depending on the category. Hurricane Harvey made landfall on August 25th as a category 4 hurricane. Since then it has killed at least 63 people, according to CBS news. Harris County, the worst flooded county has the highest number of deaths. The total number of deaths included in the death total were a result of secondary complications; such as delayed medical emergencies.

Post hurricane buzzing

They are several reasons why you might be hearing post hurricane buzzing. Drones can be used for several things after a natural disaster. The most important use of drones after a natural disaster is to save the lives of people. Using drones to search for people after a natural disaster, such as a hurricane is a faster approach than the old-fashioned way. Minutes can make a difference when it comes to saving lives. Therefore, it is important for rescuers to use the latest technology to help save lives. A rescuer can use Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) to scan an area while searching for people. The camera can distinguish heat given off by humans, as a result a rescuer can quickly locate injured and/or missing people. Emergency rescuers can use images captured by drones to plan and safely execute rescue operations. Lastly, drones can be used to deliver supplies; such as life jackets to people before they are rescued.

Assessing Damage 

Fleets of commercial drones are currently hovering over areas destroyed by hurricane Harvey. These drones are not being used for search and rescue purposes, but for assessing billions of dollars in damages. Property insurance companies are using drones to inspect commercial and residential properties. Using drones has been extremely efficient for insurance companies. According to Farmers insurance, they can process three properties in an hour, before using drones it would take then an entire day.    

Inspecting cell sites

The process of recovery after a hurricane such as Hurricane Harvey is often a difficult one. It is even more difficult without electricity and network to call for help or stay in touch with loved ones. Drones can help wireless communication companies expedite the recovery process. High-resolution images and videos captured by drones will help communication companies determine if a cell site is safe to access and the severity of the damage.

Hurricane Irma

Another hurricane is headed our way. As a result, drone companies permitted to fly will assist with the recovery process. Drones have proven to be efficient at search and rescue, inspecting site sells, and assessing the cost of damages for insurance companies. I strongly urge hobbyists to not fly during rescue efforts. If you decide to fly during rescue efforts the FAA will not hesitate to fine you for interfering with emergency rescue efforts.