Advancing Autonomy: Ondas and Autonomy Institute Collaborate to Place Drone Infrastructure on Texas SH130 Corridor

Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone to Support Inspections, Public Safety, and Economic Growth with Optimus Drone Systems

by DRONELIFE Staff Writer Ian J. McNab

The Autonomy Institute, a group of more than 300 corporate partners aiming to advance autonomy technology in the United States, and Ondas Holdings Inc., a US-based autonomous drone developer, recently announced Ondas as a lead commercial partner within the Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zone (IIEZ) on Texas State Highway 130 (SH130). 

The initial design will enable ten drone zones to support high-traffic regions between the Circuit of the Americas and Georgetown, Texas. 

According to the press release, these locations will support routine operations for inspections, security and public safety. The SH130 corridor is home to hundreds of corporate campuses, including Tesla, Samsung, Amazon, Circuit of the Americas, HEB, and dozens of commercial developers. The partnership will provide additional drone support to a range of public services from Austin’s city government, including Austin Energy, Austin Fire, Austin Water, City Planning, Police, Parks, Transportation, and Public Works. One of the Public Safety Training campuses for the City of Austin is also supported within the region.

The drone systems themselves (dubbed the Optimus System) will be provided by Ondas’ two wholly owned subsidiaries- American Robotics and Airobotics. Ondas is currently supporting two systems- the civilian-focused Optimus System and the military-oriented Iron Raider. 

“Ondas has assembled the leading autonomous industrial solutions within the drone industry; Ondas’ combined platform provides for resilient, scaled remote drone operations,” said Jeff DeCoux, Chairman of the Autonomy Institute.

“Ondas is excited to collaborate with the Autonomy Institute in deploying Intelligent Infrastructure, which has profound implications for the security and efficiency of our communities and underpins our nation’s long-term economic growth,” said Eric Brock, Chairman and CEO of Ondas.

“Texas is the undeniable leader in the use of UAS by public safety and the mission sets are as diverse as the state itself. Collaboration between state and local government agencies and increasingly with the private sector has been a force multiplier, leading to unprecedented success which we see expanding with the SH130 program,” said Jason Day at Texas Department of Public Safety. 

The Autonomy Institute establishes Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zones. According to their press release, “The collective expertise of our partners in software, hardware, and infrastructure contributes to a shared mission to accelerate a “path to commerce and productivity” for intelligent and autonomous systems. Intelligent Infrastructure Economic Zones (IIEZ) accelerate the Civic & Market Economy by accelerating the formation of entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems. These zones will support dozens of industry, community, and governmental stakeholders. They support community-inspired R&D to transition innovation to practice and stimulate workforce development.”

More information on the Autonomy Institute and the IIEZ initiatives nationwide can be found here. More information on Ondas Holdings is available here. 

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Read more:

• American Robotics Optimus System: Redefining Commercial Drone Applications
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