The system includes a large number of cameras to build a complex map of the environment in real time. The tethered drones provide many advantages over untethered UAVs, including the ability to power the drone from a ground vehicle and a secure data link between the aircraft and the ground vehicle. The Army is looking to deploy these drones with its next generation of combat vehicles, which requires solving the obstacle-avoidance problem. KEF is one of several companies competing to develop such a system for the Army.
Key takeaways:
- KEF Robotics is developing an AI-powered system to guide tethered drones and help them avoid obstacles. The system is being funded by the U.S. Department of Defense.
- The system uses a large number of cameras to build a complex map of the environment in real time, which is one of the biggest challenges faced by the system designers.
- The company is working under a program established by the U.S. Army’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle Group, with the aim to provide each vehicle with “its own tiny air force”.
- While the initial use of the software will be for military applications, the company aims to eventually offer the system to commercial markets.