AeroSpy Sense & Avoid Technology

FAQ

  • How is such an autopilot actually working?

    The autopilot is an embedded system, which consist of sensors, interfaces for sensors, control unit and actuator interfaces for full control of a vehicle. The central measurement system is called IMU (inertial measurement unit) made up of next generation MEMS (Micro-Electrical-Mechanical-Systems). This measurement information is fused by Kalmanfilter technique with additional sensors for GPS, pressure and compass which results in full 3D state information of the aircraft.

  • Can the autopilot also used for different types of aircrafts or even other applications?

    The autopilot AP1 is very flexible to apply. If the user prefers to use the full functionality of the AeroSpy AP1 then the autopilot is plug & play! The user can choose between pre-defined control structures (aircraft, quadcopter, ground vehicle) and Kalmanfilter-structures already provided by AeroSpy, or to use individual algorithms. The IDE (Integrated Development Environment) allows quick modification of predefined functions. So the AP1 can also simply be adapted for other applications.

  • Where are the areas of application for such autopilots?

    • unmanned ground, marine and aircraft vehicles
    • automotive systems (vehicle movement measurement and control, intelligent trailer…)
    • automated guided transport vehicles - driverless solutions
    • pedestrian navigation
    • medical care: human observation
    • …

  • Which are the benefits of the AeroSpy autopilot compared to existing systems?

    • one platform witch high flexibility and so high grade on diversification
    • rapid adaption to new applications
    • high number of interfaces
    • newest filter technology
    • moderate price for high tech solution also allows integration in lower cost applications

  • What is Sense and Avoid?

    Sense and Avoid is a safety system for autonomous vehicles such that collisions can be avoided. Such system can also be used for driver or pilot assistance.

  • How does the avoid process work?

    It works similar to a team of pilot and co-pilot: The co-pilot navigates and the pilot has to interpret and react to his close environment. Hereby the pilot predicts the future position of the objects. Only if necessary, he starts to avoid the object conform to predefined rules.

  • What is the difference between an cooperative and uncooperative object?

    AeroSpy uses the definition of a cooperative object for objects which follow the same rules as the autopiloted UAV for avoidance, while the uncooperative object ignores the autopiloted UAV.