Boeing opens UAV research lab
Boeing has opened a research laboratory in Missouri to test software and hardware that will allow autonomous land, sea and air vehicles to work together in teams or units, the company announced on 30 June.
The Collaborative Autonomous Systems Laboratory (CASL) spans 8,100 square feet and is dedicated to the development, validation and maturation of autonomous and multi-vehicle collaboration technologies in association with academic institutions and research partners.
The lab features an 80,000-cubic-foot motion capture system that allows simultaneous operation of multiple UGVs and UAS.
The indoor flying test range has a high-resolution blended projection system to develop and test vison-based technologies, such as moving object detection and image processing algorithms. The projection system can work with the motion capture system and high-fidelity simulations for supporting live-virtual testing in realistic simulated scenarios.
The facility also features an enclosed, vented area that allows access to GPS and other signals used for ground testing and static engine runs of small UAS.
Nancy Pendleton, leader of the Boeing Research & Technology Missouri research centre, said: ‘Collaborative technology is at the forefront of innovation for taking advanced vehicles that already carry out dull, dirty or dangerous work, such as assisting in search and rescue, firefighting and military missions, and making them even more effective.
‘This lab provides us an outstanding environment to experiment and innovate with a variety of autonomous vehicles and the systems and sensors that drive them, from small UAS to unmanned undersea vehicles.’
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
As the dynamics of aerial combat rapidly evolve, Chinese scientists have engineered a sophisticated air separation drone model that can fragment into up to six drones, each capable of executing distinct battlefield roles and challenging the efficacy of current anti-drone defences such as the UK’s Dragonfire laser system.
-
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
Advancements in air defence technologies have begun to reshape aerial combat dynamics in the Middle East, as illustrated by recent events involving the Israeli Air Force and Hezbollah.
-
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
Both sides of the Russia-Ukraine war have been using UAS for effective low-cost attacks, as well as impactful web and social media footage. Thousands more have now been committed to Ukrainian forces.
-
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
The US Army has intentions to develop light, medium and heavy variants of the Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) as part of the branche’s Next Generation Combat Vehicle family.
-
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
DroneSentry-X, a cross-vehicle compatible, automated 360° C-UAS detect and defeat device, can offer 360° awareness and protection using integrated sensors. According to its manufacturer, it is suitable for mobile operations, on-site surveillance and on-the-move missions.