EPE and Shield AI team up for indoor drones
Nova 2 features Level 5 autonomy, meaning it can operate in GPS-denied environments and requires no operator to fly. (Photo: EPE)
Partnership between EPE and Shield AI aims to introduce the Nova 2 indoor UAV to the Australasian market.
Australian company EPE has teamed up with US-based Shield AI to deliver AI pilot functionality to military UAV operators in Australia and New Zealand.
In a statement, EPE noted that it is providing ‘leading technologies’ for Australian Department of Defence teams to run human-machine teaming experiments.
The company is also delivering five Defence Innovation Hub Projects ‘which developed innovative solutions to counter emerging threats’.
Its partnership with Shield AI includes the US company’s Nova 2 indoor rotary-wing UAV.
Nova 2 features Level 5 autonomy, meaning it can operate in GPS-denied environments and requires no operator to fly. The self-driving technology uses path planning, mapping, and computer vision to autonomously navigate complex environments, such as multi-storey buildings and underground locations.
An operator selects a window or a door entry point for the platform, which then autonomously enters and traverses the location, limited by bounding box perimeters determined by the operator.
EPE demonstrated the Nova 2 at the Army Robotics Exposition in Adelaide, Australia, on 10-12 August.
More from Uncrewed Vehicles
-
![Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems]()
Ready for the race: Air separation drone swarms vs. air defence systems
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.
-
![Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences]()
Israel’s MALE UAVs ‘must adapt’ to Iranian-made air defences
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.
-
![Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way]()
Hundreds more UAS sent to Ukraine forces with thousands more on the way
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.
-
![AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems]()
AI and software companies selected for US Army Robotic Combat Vehicle subsystems
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.
-
![DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract]()
DroneShield to improve software of DroneSentry-X C-UAS system under new contract
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.
-
![Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems]()
Ukraine takes delivery of new indigenous C-UAS systems
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.
