Texas-based SkyGrid, a Boeing, SparkCognition company, has released an autonomous remote UAV operations capability to let flight managers and operators control and execute flights from remote locations.

Using artificial intelligence and an array of airspace-related data feeds, SkyGrid is enabling safe remote operations for missions involving single and multiple drones.

Organisations can use SkyGrid to facilitate routine inspections over an area of interest and generate optimal flight paths for multiple flight segments. These segments are then linked automatically to create complete routes.

The company’s route generation capabilities create the safest route for each drone based on the flight plan, environmental conditions, the vehicle’s performance, and the mission criteria with little onsite support required for flight operations. With the remote UAV operations functionality, SkyGrid will allow remote operators to create and deploy these automated missions to a fleet of geographically disbursed aerial vehicles.

In addition to enabling remote management of drone fleets and creation of missions, it also allows video feeds from drones to be consolidated to a remote central location, such as a ground station. Operators can choose to integrate with precision landing and docking stations for full autonomy and access all flight metrics and visualisations on a single dashboard with an easy-to-use interface.

For full regulatory compliance, operators and pilots on the ground are kept in the loop and can take over whenever required. SkyGrid recommends all users obtain any necessary regulatory approvals for remote operations or for managing multiple drones.

“This solution enables drone operators to optimise their human resources and reduce the cost of UAV operations,” said Amir Husain, CEO of SkyGrid. “Drones deployed at multiple sites can now easily be operated from control centres. Subject to regulatory approvals, SkyGrid customers can augment or replace on-site pilots and enable higher sortie rates at lower cost. SkyGrid Launch allows important use cases such as unmanned public safety surveillance, inspection of pipelines, mines, and construction projects to be addressed at nation-wide or even global scale.”

SkyGrid partnered Raytheon Technologies and has fully integrated its Mars multi-platform automation re-hosting system to launch remote UAV operations.

“Leveraging our Mars technology with SkyGrid Launch will enhance the operator experience and allow them to scale and expand their operations,” said Denis Donohue, vice president at Raytheon. “Operators can manage everyone on one dashboard for a flawless experience. SkyGrid is a strategic partner and, with Raytheon’s decades of experience working in controlled airspace, together we will unlock the full potential of unmanned aviation.”