Ascending Technologies, Intel Collaborate On Collision Avoidance Technology For Drones

Ascending Technologies and Intel have signed an agreement to work on developing collision avoidance technology and algorithms for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAVs).

The companies will be using Intel RealSense Cameras and Ascending Technologies’ AscTec Trinity auto-pilot system for the purpose.

The collaboration of the two companies was publicly announced by Brian Krzanich, CEO of Intel Corporation, during his keynote on January 6th 2015 at the International CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas. 

Intel also became Ascending Technologies’ first external investor and a minority shareholder.

Krzanich discussed the growing possibilities for self-aware drones, including inspection of fields and power lines, monitoring endangered species, and even delivering goods or emergency medication. He reinforced that as drones become smart, they can see, react, and even move through the environment.

Intel created an obstacle course inside the CES keynote ballroom and demonstrated AscTec Firefly multi-copter drones equipped with Intel RealSense cameras automatically flying through the course. Krzanich and the Ascending Technologies team demonstrated drones interacting in a swarm as well as collision avoidance and a fun interactive game of “drone pong”. 

“Intel RealSense technology can be used in a variety of innovative applications, including drone navigation,” said Brian Krzanich, CEO, Intel Corporation. “We look forward to working with Ascending Technologies to integrate Intel technology into their solutions which will enable UAVs to see, react, and even move safely through the environment.”

Daniel Gurdan, CEO and co-founder of Ascending Technologies, says: “Shortly after the introduction of the first triple redundant autopilot system for small UAVs, our AscTec Trinity, we are proud to have found a strong technology partner in Intel, which enables us to take a giant leap forward in safety and comfort in UAVs. Someday obstacle avoidance technology in UAVs will be like seatbelts in cars: You simply don’t start going without it!”