Industrial Networks (INet) introduced details of a new INet Rail Automation Drone (IRAD1) on 24 February. The system is designed to conduct autonomous scans of rail-yards for inventory and inspection purposes.
Equipped with a collision detection and avoidance system, IRAD1 is designed to function as an autonomous automated equipment identification (AEI) scanner to give rail shippers a greater amount of flexibility in their railyards.
The IRAD1 will be capable of fully autonomous scanning of the railyard for inventory and inspection of a railcar in order to speed up data collection and reduce workforce requirements. The technology has the potential to reduce errors, improve overall productivity for shippers and expedite the turnaround of railcars within a facility.
INet applied for a Section 333 exemption for the IRAD1 in late 2015 and the UAS is currently pending safety testing and FAA approvals.
Jimmy Finster, president, INet, said: ‘Advancement in drone technology has allowed INet to explore what we feel is the future of rail automation. We are continuously researching new and innovative ways to help our customers improve their operations and streamline their daily processes.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Funded by the country’s former president, the new C-UAS systems will be sent to the frontline where they have already been tested against Russian invading forces.
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