Sentient Vision Systems has made significant strides in revolutionizing maritime operations through its groundbreaking AI-enabled ViDAR (Visual Detection and Ranging) technology. In a recent live demonstration, Sentient successfully showcased the capabilities of its ViDAR payload when deployed on Edge Autonomy’s advanced VXE30 unmanned aerial system (UAS). This collaboration has the potential to fundamentally transform the way maritime operations are conducted.
The VXE30 UAS, part of Edge Autonomy’s “Stalker” series, is a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) solution that is highly maneuverable and versatile. When combined with Sentient’s ViDAR technology, the VXE30 gains a passive, wide area search capability, drastically expanding its operational potential. By leveraging AI, computer vision, machine learning, and Electro-Optic and Infrared (EO/IR) sensors, ViDAR can detect and identify objects that are challenging to spot using human vision or conventional radar systems.
One of the key advantages of ViDAR is its ability to operate effectively in harsh maritime conditions. It has been successfully deployed in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions, maritime patrol and border protection, as well as search and rescue operations since 2015. ViDAR has proven its efficacy in challenging environments with sea states reaching up to 6, characterized by waves ranging from 13 to 20 feet high.
Sentient has further refined ViDAR into a compact, lightweight format with low power requirements. This low size, weight, and power (SWaP) solution makes it ideal for integration onto small unmanned aerial systems such as the VXE30. The successful integration of ViDAR onto the VXE30 demonstrates its versatility and long-endurance imaging capabilities, even in contested environments.
This collaboration between Sentient Vision Systems and Edge Autonomy has immense potential for maritime operations. By equipping the VXE30 with ViDAR’s passive detection system, the UAS gains the ability to operate stealthily while providing real-time situational awareness of the maritime domain. This capability represents a significant enhancement in mission success and holds promising implications for a wide range of military and civilian applications.
FAQ:
Q: What is ViDAR?
A: ViDAR is an AI-enabled technology developed by Sentient Vision Systems that utilizes computer vision, machine learning, and advanced sensors to passively detect objects in challenging maritime environments.
Q: What are the advantages of ViDAR?
A: ViDAR offers enhanced detection capabilities compared to human vision or conventional radar systems. It can operate effectively in harsh maritime conditions and is suitable for deployment on small unmanned aerial systems.
Q: What is the VXE30 UAS?
A: The VXE30 UAS is part of Edge Autonomy’s “Stalker” series and is a versatile vertical take-off and landing solution. When equipped with ViDAR, it gains a passive, wide area search capability for maritime operations.
Q: What are the potential applications of this collaboration?
A: This collaboration has the potential to revolutionize maritime operations in areas such as intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, maritime patrol, border protection, and search and rescue missions. It can significantly enhance situational awareness and mission success.