Shield AI, Sentient Vision Partner on New, Powerful Wide Area Search Tactical UAV

Shield AI, Sentient Vision Partner on ViDAR-enabled, Wide Area Search UAV

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNabb

Shield AI, an American defense company focused on AI pilot design and development, has just announced a partnership with Australia-based Sentient Vision Systems to provide a wide area motion imagery (WAMI) solution for the US Department of Defense, the Australian Armed Forces, and other international customers. Using Shield AI’s VBAT UAV as a platform, the two companies will jointly develop and release a ViDAR-enabled, wide area search capable unit to enable it to intelligently classify, track, and read-and-react to targets across a varied mission set.

ViDAR is Sentient’s AI-powered imaging system, which uses an Electro-Optic or Infrared (EO/IR) sensor to detect and classify targets in the imagery stream that would be invisible to a human operator or to conventional radar. Both companies hope that integrating the new imaging tech with Shield AI’s Hivemind, an AI pilot that has already flown the VBAT, the F-16, and the Nova Quadcopter, can produce a total package capable of improving the tactical capabilities of both individual units and increase the deterrent power of Shield AI’s defense solutions. Sentient Vision’s imaging solutions have long been used in the intelligence and surveillance world, as well as search and rescue operations at land and sea.

Brandon Tseng, Shield AI’s President and co-founder, (and a former Navy SEAL), said in a statement, “This work with our Australian partner, Sentient, is a unique opportunity to fuse the innovation prowess of two companies from allied countries on opposite sides of the world. Together, we are shaping the future of defense technology,”. Mark Palmer, Sentient’s Chief Technical Officer, concurred, saying, “Sentient is excited and proud to be working with Shield AI on this truly breakthrough solution. We look forward to combining the AI expertise and operational understanding of our two great teams to deliver superior ISR capabilities for today’s rapidly changing defense and security environment.”

Shield AI hopes to be testing the new system as early as next year.

Read more:

• Andresson Horowitz Invests $10.5 Million in Drone Firm Shield AI
• Dual-Use Drone Technology: Closing the Gap Between Military and Commercial Applications
• ViDAR Enables Unmanned Large Area Searches at Sea

Ian McNabb is a staff writer based in Boston, MA. His interests include geopolitics, emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and Boston College sports.