Weekend Roundup: May 29, 2020

May 29, 2020 | AUVSI News

This Week in the Unmanned Systems and Robotics World

In an effort to help families in need, Optimus Ride will use its self-driving shuttles to deliver meals to a waterfront development in Washington, D.C. called the Yards. Optimus Ride’s fleet will distribute the meal kits to the families on a weekly basis, serving a total of 5,000 meals. (VentureBeat)

Following a series of trial flights in North Cornwall, England, a UAS was used to deliver emergency medical supplies to a hospital on the Isle of Wight. It took the UAS just 18 minutes to fly from Lee on Solent to St Mary’s Hospital. (The Cornish Times)

A personal robot has been deployed at Maplewood Senior Living, a community of 14 assisted-living facilities in the tristate area. Designed with seniors in mind, the robot, known as Temi, helps residents with various tasks such as getting packages delivered and talking to family members. (FOX 5 New York)

The Navy is asking industry to provide ideas for a next-generation, medium-sized UUV. The new MUUV, which should be modular, with both open architecture and systems, would be used to perform autonomous missions that were previously performed by other manned and unmanned vehicles. (FEDweek)

The Radioplane RP-71 Falconer was the U.S. Army’s first unmanned reconnaissance aircraft. With the help of two takeoff rockets, the UAS was launched from a lightweight stand, and a remote ground operator flew the Falconer via radio signals while it was tracked by radar. (The National Interest)

As part of a new search and rescue (SAR) contract to be awarded in 2024, the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) wants to expand its use of UAS technology. According to the Coastguard, UAS could potentially visit rescue sites ahead of air, sea or land-based recovery teams. (BBC)

This summer, Kansas State University Polytechnic Campus will offer an online UAS program called the UAS Virtual Academy for teenagers interested in the technology. Designed for 14 to 17 year old’s, the academy will provide participants the opportunity to explore the world of drones by learning foundational aviation skills, flight maneuvers, safety procedures, and photography and videography basics. (Kansas State Polytechnic)