ZM Interactive selects Iris Automation as detect and avoid provider for its UAS

January 31, 2020 | AUVSI News

ZM Interactive (ZMI) has selected Iris Automation as the detect and avoid (DAA) provider for its drones, which will allow ZMI customers to conduct beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations.

ZMI manufactures the xFold drone, which is an industrial, military-grade UAS that comes in various sizes and configurations. Its frame can change between a x4 (Quad), x6 (Hexa), X8 (octo) and X12 (Dodeca) configurations in minutes, and it has a heavy payload capability of more than 300 pounds, making the UAS ideal for a wide range of commercial, industrial, military and emergency response applications. Some of its use cases include aerial cinematography, 3-D Mapping and inspections, and cargo delivery.

Having selected Iris Automation as its DAA provider, ZMI will provide the option of equipping its UAS platforms with Iris Automation’s Casia system. Described as a “turnkey solution,” Casia detects, tracks and classifies other aircraft and makes informed decisions about the threat they could potentially pose to the UAS. To avoid collisions, Casia triggers automated maneuvers, and alerts the pilot in command of the mission.

“This collaboration between Iris Automation and ZMI allows xFold drone customers to use their drones to their full potential,” explains Iris Automation CEO Alexander Harmsen.

“Having drones pre-equipped with the option for advanced BVLOS capabilities is a basic requirement the industry will soon expect to see on all drones out-of-the-box.”

Under its partnership with ZMI, Iris says that it will also offer customers with Casia onboard regulatory support for Part 107 waiver writing and regulatory approval processes to secure the permissions needed to conduct their unique BVLOS operations.