AT&T and Intel plan to test UAVs on a network that connects devices on the ground, AT&T announced on 22 February. The two companies will work to solve connectivity and other major issues.
The AT&T Foundry innovation centre in Palo Alto, California and the AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) team will work with Intel to check the performance of the LTE network at higher altitudes. They will evaluate how higher altitude affects video streaming, transmitting telematics and flight information.
UAV connectivity over the network will aim to address several challenges within the category, such as real time communications, safety and security concerns, supporting future capabilities and potential interference with manned aircraft.
Chris Penrose, senior vice president, IoT solutions, AT&T, said: ‘Our LTE network is uniquely positioned to connect industries like delivery, agriculture, construction and insurance. We’re using the network to transfer important information, images and video quickly and efficiently — far beyond the boundaries of short range connectivity.’
Anil Nanduri, vice president, new technology group and general manager, new markets, perceptual computing group, Intel, said: ‘This engagement pushes the boundaries in the UAV industry and will pave the way to a connected world in the Internet of Things.
‘Intel believes UAVs have great potential, from inspections, precision agriculture to deliveries of consumer goods and providing emergency disaster relief. We want to grow this market through our collaborations and by integrating new technologies and compute to UAVs.’
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.
Connect with us on socials
