Iris Automation

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A New Era for Aviation Safety and Efficiency: uAvionix Acquires Iris Automation

uAvionix, a leader in communications, navigation, and surveillance (CNS) solutions for the safe integration of Crewed and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), has announced its acquisition of Iris Automation™, provider of optical Detect and Avoid (DAA) technology. This strategic move combines uAvionix’s extensive CNS and aviation expertise with Iris’ leadership in computer vision-based systems for the safe separation of aircraft. The acquisition not only bolsters uAvionix’s capabilities and services but also marks an important leadership change as Jon Damush, former CEO of Iris Automation, takes the helm as CEO of uAvionix Corporation.

“The combination of Iris Automation’s and uAvionix’s capabilities provides for a multi-layered-safety architecture that supports integration of UAS into the National Airspace System,” noted Paul Beard, CTO and founder of uAvionix. “Through our collective efforts, we are solving the two biggest technical challenges to UAS integration: Command and Control and Detect and Avoid.  Solving these problems builds safer airspace for all users.”

A Safe and Efficient Integrated Airspace

uAvionix’s deep experience with avionics development and certification in crewed, uncrewed, and defense technologies have long provided innovative and cost-effective products and services that create cooperative communication and awareness for all airspace users, from the stratosphere to the airport surface.  Iris Automation’s pioneering airborne and ground-based optical systems deliver non-cooperative situational awareness for the integration of crewed and uncrewed aircraft. Together, the combined capabilities position uAvionix to provide aviators with the certified avionics, aviation data, and safety solutions necessary for a fully integrated airspace.

Jon Damush Assumes Role of CEO of uAvionix Corporation 

As CEO, Jon Damush expands the current uAvionix leadership team and brings more than 30 years of aviation technology experience. His extensive background in engineering for crewed and uncrewed aviation, software development, and systems integration positions him as a visionary leader to guide uAvionix’s growth across diverse markets, including General Aviation, Uncrewed Aviation, Defense, and Aviation Networks.

“Jon Damush’s appointment as CEO hits all the right marks for uAvionix. His exceptional background and vision complement an already strong leadership team at uAvionix and aligns perfectly with the uAvionix mission to lead the way in advancing aviation safety and efficiency,” said David Page, Partner at DC Capital Partners. “The addition of Iris’ optical capabilities with existing uAvionix solutions further cements our market position within BVLOS operations.”

The acquisition of Iris Automation, coupled with Jon Damush’s leadership, fortifies uAvionix’s position as an industry leader for the safe and efficient integration of UAS into the National Airspace. By innovatively combining its aviation expertise with Iris’ advanced technology systems, the company is ushering in a new era for safety and efficiency for everything that flies.

About uAvionix

uAvionix was founded with the mission of bringing safety solutions to aviation that accelerate the integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) into National Airspace Systems (NAS). uAvionix offers innovative, low SWaP TSO certified and uncertified avionics and services for General Aviation (GA), Defense and UAS markets. The team consists of an unparalleled engineering and management team with a unique combination of experience within avionics, surveillance, airport services, UAS aircraft development, radio frequency (RF), and semiconductor industries. 

To learn more about uAvionix crewed and uncrewed products and services, please visit: www.uavionix.com

Follow uAvionix on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram

uAvionix Media Contact: [email protected]

About Iris Automation 

Iris Automation is a safety avionics technology company pioneering on- and off-board perception systems and aviation policy services that enable customers to build scalable operations for crewed and uncrewed aircraft; unlocking the potential of countless industries. Iris’ Casia system runs either onboard the aircraft or in a ground-based configuration. We work closely with civil aviation authorities globally as they implement regulatory frameworks ensuring BVLOS is conducted safely, partnering on multiple FAA ASSURE and BEYOND UAV Integration Programs and Transport Canada’s BVLOS Technology Demonstration Program. Visit www.irisonboard.com.

uAvionix is an ARPAS-UK Member.

24 October 2023

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Skyports is accepted into the CAA’s Innovation Sandbox

Drone delivery service provider Skyports has announced today that it has been accepted into the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) Regulatory Sandbox to trial beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) flights in non-segregated airspace.

The Regulatory Sandbox is a programme established by the UK CAA to create an environment where innovation in aviation can be explored in line with UK CAA core principles of safety, security and consumer protection.

Skyports, which specialises in operating end-to-end drone deliveries within the medical, e-commerce and logistics sectors, and the UK CAA will explore how regulatory approvals can be granted for drones controlled out-of-sight of the remote pilot to be flown safely within airspace that is shared with other aircraft, which is vital if permanent drone deliveries are to become a reality.

Duncan Walker, Chief Executive Officer at Skyports, said: “Using drone deliveries within supply chains can create significant time and cost savings.  The current COVID-19 crisis has highlighted the role that unmanned aircraft applications can play in keeping the flow of goods moving, especially medical products, limiting human contact and supplying hard-to-reach communities.

A critical step in enabling permanent drone delivery operations is being able to operate out of sight of the remote pilot in airspace used by others. Through this game-changing partnership with the UK Civil Aviation Authority, we will be trialling the integration of our technologically-advanced unmanned aircraft in this shared airspace to demonstrate that our drone deliveries can be operated safely alongside other aircraft.”

Frédéric Laugère, Innovation Services Lead at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Regularly operating unmanned vehicles beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) of their operator is a key requirement to maximise the benefits that they can deliver. We are delighted to start this new collaboration with Skyports and its partners, and working together to explore requirements under which regulatory approval of BVLOS operations could be granted. The public and the industry will undoubtedly benefit from the findings we generate and the insights we gain.”

Skyports Solution

During the trial, Skyports is working with leading technology partners Iris Automation and ARPAS-UK Member, Thales, and environmental partners RSK:

  • Integrating Iris Automation’s computer-vision-based Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) technology, called Casia, onto unmanned aircraft will enable Skyports’ drones to automatically understand the surrounding skies and independently react as if a pilot were on board to avoid mid-air collisions.
  • Thales will help Skyports with mission planning and flight management through its integrated unmanned aircraft system (UAS), SOARIZON, as well as provide cutting-edge, secure remote electronic identification through Thales Remote ID fitted to the drone so the aircraft can be tracked.
  • RSK will assist with applying its skills and expertise in environmental assessment, such as noise, air quality and carbon and social impact strategies.

UK CAA Regulatory Sandbox

The Regulatory Sandbox was launched in April 2019 to provide industry with the capability to test and trial innovative aviation solutions in a safe and controlled environment. Skyports joins other aviation innovators in the Sandbox, such as Amazon, Volocopter, Altitude Angel, NATS and sees.ai.

 

15th April 2020

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SOARIZON by Thales and Iris Automation announce partnership

SOARIZON by Thales, the integrated drone operations technology provider, and Iris Automation, the leading detect-and-avoid (DAA) technology, today announced the formation of a new partnership. Together the companies will provide customers with Iris Automation’s leading DAA technology to enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations paired with SOARIZON’s complete drone operations management platform.

Based in San Francisco, Iris Automation is the market leader in DAA technology for UAS. Its modular system, Casia, is the first commercially available computer vision detect-and-avoid solution to enable BVLOS operations for autonomous vehicles. Casia enables a drone to truly understand and react to the aviation environment around it as if a pilot were on board.

SOARIZON’s partnership with Iris Automation supports the ambitions of both companies to promote safer use of the skies. The alliance will enable innovative testing and safe BVLOS projects, bringing together mission planning, compliance, remote ID and DAA capabilities, unlocking the future of unmanned flight for everyone.

With the SOARIZON ecosystem taking care of all aspects of drone operational planning, compliance and security, this new collaboration will enable organisations to push the boundaries of what’s possible with drones with new and innovative use cases.

Ben Orcan, Partnerships Manager at SOARIZON, said of the partnership: “We are thrilled to work with Iris Automation. The Casia system is the first of its kind and is at the forefront of innovation in unmanned flight. We already have exciting projects planned as part of this partnership and we look forward to demonstrating what our combined expertise and capabilities can achieve to further advance the drone economy.”

Tamiko Sianen, Strategic Partnerships Manager at Iris Automation, said: “SOARIZON is a leader in the drone industry, building the tools to meet the safety needs of operators and the public. Together, we are enabling scaled BVLOS operations by providing tactical deconfliction for customers in support of the services provided by SOARIZON.”

As part of the partnership, the two companies will provide a mutual discount on their products and services. SOARIZON users get a discount to Casia software licenses and Casia customers will get a discount on SOARIZON’s paid plans.

About SOARIZON by Thales:

SOARIZON empowers scaled UAS operations through its secure, compliant and efficient ecosystem. Combining best in class drone operational management capabilities, such as NOTAMs, airspace data and full risk assessment and compliance tools, SOARIZON enables enterprises of all sizes to maintain full visibility and control of drone operations, from planning through to approval and delivery. Find out more and sign up for free at www.SOARIZON.io

About Iris Automation:

Iris Automation is building a computer-vision-based avoidance system that helps drones see the world how pilots do. The company is based in San Francisco and is led by a team with experience at NASA, Boeing, and Nvidia, including PhDs in computer vision. Iris is a key partner on multiple FAA UAS Integration Pilot Programs, a participant of NASA’s Unmanned Traffic Management program and a participant of Transport Canada’s BVLOS Technology Demonstration Program. Learn more at www.irisonboard.com

 

MArch 16th 2020