Weekend Roundup: May 8, 2020

May 8, 2020 | AUVSI News

This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World

The FAA recently awarded a $1.6 million contract to advance unmanned traffic management (UTM) at the New York UAS Test Site. A team of five commercial companies—led by CAL Analytics—will develop a single, integrated contingency management platform (CMP) for UAS integration. (NUAIR)

In University City, Philadelphia, drones were used to thank front-line workers in the fight against the coronavirus. The UAS formed images of medical symbols, a flattening curve, a waving American flag, a ringing Liberty Bell, the LOVE sign, and the message “Thank u heroes.” (The Philadelphia Inquirer)

Just nine months after its vision guided vehicles (VGVs) reached two million autonomous production miles driven at customer sites without a single personnel safety incident, Seegrid has announced that its VGVs have now reached three million miles. (Business Wire)

Artificial intelligence (AI) robotics company Covariant has raised $40 million in Series B funding. The company will use the funding to accelerate its partnerships, introduce AI Robotics to new industries, and grow its research, engineering and commercial teams. (PRNewswire)

Gatik has introduced what it calls the first autonomous box trucks capable of delivering ambient, cold and frozen goods. The trucks are designed to transport goods on fixed, repeatable routes between distribution centers and stores. (Inside Unmanned Systems)

The Royal Australian Air Force has received its first Boeing-built drone-jet hybrid prototype. Using artificial intelligence, the “loyal wingman” will supply fighter pilots with more information during a conflict by conducting intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions. (Military.com)

A survey vessel owned by survey company Deep BV will soon begin operating in the Wadden Sea. The vessel will be commanded by personnel in the company’s Amsterdam office using the Sea Machines SM300 autonomous control system. (Marine Log)