Listen to this articleFounded in 2015, Iris Automation is a computer vision technology company pioneering the development of advanced detection systems used to help provide Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) capabilities that enable safe commercial drone operations including scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) missions. Below is our recent interview with Jon Damush, CEO of Iris Automation:
Q: Jon, what is your core competence?
A: Iris Automation is a safety avionics technology company pioneering Detect-and-Avoid (DAA) systems and aviation policy services that enable customers to build scalable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations for commercial drones; operations unlocking the potential of countless industries. Iris’ DAA system runs entirely onboard Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), allowing them to fly safely at long distances and without human intervention. We work closely with civil aviation authorities globally as they implement regulatory frameworks ensuring BVLOS is conducted safely, partnering on multiple FAA BEYOND UAS Integration Programs and Transport Canada’s BVLOS Technology Demonstration Program. Iris is recognized by AUVSI as the number one Technology and Innovation Leader for 2020.
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Q: Tell us something more about your most famous product Casia?
A: Casia 360 is the first commercially available 360 degree radial computer vision Detect-and Avoid (DAA) system for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS). As an integrated onboard hardware and software solution, Casia systems are small, light and low power.
Casia reduces the number of on the ground pilots required to fly drones as it acts like human pilot would in a plane, avoiding in-air collisions. This enables safe Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations that reduce costs and open new access to goods and data. A wide range of long-distance commercial applications are now a reality with Casia onboard.
Q: You’ve recently raised $13,000,000 in Series B funding; can you tell us something more?
A: We are incredibly excited about this show of support from our current and new investors, particularly during this unprecedented global pandemic. We have always known that our approach to the problem solves a critical missing link for unpiloted systems, and plan to deploy this capital to further expand our capabilities and improve safety for unpiloted systems as global regulators work to integrate UAS into existing airspaces. The investment clearly illustrates investor confidence in growth of the sector and specifically Iris’ role in the ecosystem.
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Q: What can we expect from you in 2021? What are your plans?
A: -Expand machine learning and AI capabilities and testing to improve and extend the Casia system’s performance envelope.
-Continue to participate in the Federal Aviation Administration’s BEYOND program, focused on enabling Beyond Visual Line of Sight operations with Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) to advance airspace integration. BEYOND will demonstrate operations that are repeatable, scalable and economically viable with specific emphasis on infrastructure inspection, public safety operations and small package delivery.
-Continue to improve detection and classification capabilities of the Casia system to support expanded use cases, operational environments and aircraft compatibility.
-Build out fulfillment capabilities to produce, deliver and support the growing installed base of aircraft OEM partners and end use customers, and enter new markets associated with aircraft safety.
Last Updated on March 7, 2021
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