New airspace-awareness platform brings radar, RF, Remote ID, ADS-B and other operational data into a unified operating pictur
Airwise Solutions has launched Airwise Nexus, a new airspace-awareness and sensor-fusion capability within its airwiseOS Operational Intelligence platform.
Nexus brings data from multiple airspace sensors and operational systems into one common operating picture. The platform can ingest radar, radiofrequency (RF) detection, Remote ID, ADS-B, video and OEM drone telemetry. It can also incorporate other cooperative and non-cooperative traffic feeds.
Airwise designed the platform for organizations that need to understand activity across increasingly complex low-altitude airspace. Initial markets include public safety, drone-as-first-responder (DFR) programs, counter-UAS operations, energy and utilities.
Bringing Disconnected Airspace Data Together
Public safety agencies and infrastructure operators increasingly use multiple systems to monitor and manage their airspace. However, those systems often operate through separate interfaces.
That can require personnel to monitor several screens and compare information before deciding how to respond.
Nexus aims to simplify that process by correlating sensor information within a single live view. The system can also combine airspace data with an organization’s own drone, personnel and vehicle telemetry.
This approach can support both routine drone operations and broader airspace awareness. For example, an agency could compare detections from Remote ID, radar and RF sensors with the known location of its own aircraft.
For DFR programs, a unified operating picture may become more important as agencies operate more aircraft and expand beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Critical infrastructure operators face a similar challenge as they deploy drones and monitoring systems across large facilities or geographic areas.
An Open Approach to Sensor Integration
Airwise is positioning Nexus as a hardware-independent platform. The company does not manufacture sensors or drones.
Instead, sensor manufacturers and other data providers can integrate their systems with Nexus at no cost and on a non-exclusive basis. According to Airwise, one integration can make a partner’s data available to Airwise customers where the use case allows it. Partners retain ownership of their data.
The model gives customers the option to combine hardware from different manufacturers rather than building an airspace-awareness system around one vendor.
“Nexus is built on a simple idea: the airspace picture gets better with every sensor or other trusted operational data it fuses, so integration should be free and open,” said Josh O’Leary, Chief Technology Officer of Airwise Solutions. “We make our partners’ sensors more valuable inside the Nexus common operating picture, and we give customers the freedom to combine best-of-breed hardware in one operating picture instead of being locked to a single vendor.”
Nexus uses standards-based open APIs for enterprise integrations. Airwise says this approach can reduce the time and cost involved in adding new systems.
Public Safety and Critical Infrastructure Applications
Airwise is initially bringing Nexus to public safety and the energy and utilities sectors.
Public safety applications include DFR, counter-UAS and broader airspace-awareness programs. Energy and utility operators can use the platform to support drone inspections and monitor airspace around large infrastructure sites.
Unmanned Vehicle Technologies (UVT), a public safety drone and robotics integrator, is among the companies collaborating on the Nexus launch.
“The agencies we serve are managing more sensors, systems, and data, but that information only matters when teams can understand and act on it quickly,” said Chris Fink, founder and chief executive officer of UVT. “By bringing those technologies together through Airwise Nexus, we are able to provide customers with a clearer view of their airspace and greater confidence when decisions matter most.”
Nexus joins other capabilities within the broader airwiseOS platform. These include Sidekick for airspace authorization, pilot and fleet management and UTM operational intent. Flight Manager supports photogrammetry and analytics. Nexus adds the common operating picture, airspace awareness for BVLOS missions and tactical deconfliction functions.
Airwise Nexus is available now. The Tulsa, Oklahoma-based company is also inviting sensor manufacturers, data providers and integrators to participate in its no-cost integration program.
Read more:
- GeoComm and SkyfireAI Aim to Improve Location Intelligence for Drone as First Responder Programs
- AirData UAV and LeoSight Bring Live Drone Data for DFR Programs
- Conroe Police Launch DFR Program Funded by Criminal Asset Seizures
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
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