Drone Management Software for BVLOS Ops: Iris Automation Partners with VOTIX Drone Automation Platform

VOTIX, Iris Automation Partner for Comprehensive Drone Management for Safe BVLOS Operations

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian M. Crosby

Drone software company VOTIX and safety avionics technology leader Iris Automation have announced a partnership to integrate Iris Automation’s Casia G ground-based detect and alert system into the VOTIX cloud-based drone operating system, enabling safe BVLOS flights. This integration allows enterprises requiring effective and flexible drone BVLOS deployments to conduct remote operations.

This solution will operate by sending Casia G’s data into the drone-agnostic VOTIX platform for a comprehensive picture of the operational airspace in real-time. The Casia G system detects non-cooperative aircraft at a distance by observing the airspace and providing precise location and classification data of intruder aircraft, allowing the VOTIX platform to perform automated conflict resolution, enhancing safety and mission capability.

VOTIX’s “Drone Orchestration” approach integrates all necessary processes and systems for a BVLOS operation. The platform enables and tracks effective C2 and live video stream, including use of cellular connectivity, integrates Casia G for Detect-and-Avoid technology, automates conflict resolution, integrates weather tracking and traffic management, controls operational limitations, automates fail-safe measures to increase safety, performs autonomous flights, enables precision landing and drone-in-a-box integration.

Casia G establishes a perimeter of monitored airspace without having to saddle the drone with additional sensors or payload. The solution uses computer vision technology to alert the Remote Pilot in Command (RPIC) of any risk of collision before maneuvering the drone to safety, removing the need for sustained visual contact with the drone.

“Our mission is to make BVLOS easy,” said VOTIX CEO Ed Boucas. “We have integrated every aspect of drone operation in a single pane of glass so pilots can easily perform safe and secure BVLOS flights.”

Drone inspection provider AviSight previously employed the VOTIX platform to secure two waivers for recurrent BVLOS inspections over several miles of Shell pipelines in the U.S. The first waiver was approved by the FAA in only nine days.

“To safely advance unpiloted operations, technology companies across our industry need to collaboratively deliver their innovative technologies in seamless solutions that are easy for customers to consume,” said Iris Automation VP of Product, Jason Hardy-Smith. “Our partnership with VOTIX is a terrific example of that, delivering a complete platform for RPICs to safely and efficiently execute their missions.”

Iris Automation obtained a third FAA BVLOS waiver last December without the need for VOs based on a network of two separate Casia G nodes. The connection of further nodes has the potential to greatly extend the UAS operational area while granting customers the flexibility to quickly relocate their operations if necessary.

Read more:

• FlytBase and Iris Automation Integrate Ground-Based Detect and Avoid with FlytNow Software for Automated, Remote Drone Ops
• Detecting Cooperative and Noncooperative Drones: Iris Automation and Sagetech Avionics Partner
• Iris Automation Casia G: Ground-Based Detect and Avoid Technology
• TruWeather and Iris Automation: Weather Data for Drone Operations
• Iris Automation Scores 2nd BVLOS Waiver: This Time with Casia G, Ground-Based Detect and Avoid

Ian attended Dominican University of California, where he received a BA in English in 2019. With a lifelong passion for writing and storytelling and a keen interest in technology, he is now contributing to DroneLife as a staff writer.