DroneUp Introduces AI-based Air Traffic Control System

The partnership with Iris Automation will create a cell tower-like network.

Monday, May 08, 2023 at 02:04 PM ET

Verified

A partnership with Iris Automation could expand the capabilities of DroneUp operators —and the system overall. [Credit: DroneUp]

Key Takeaways:

DroneUp, Walmart's drone delivery partner, has teamed up with Iris Automation to develop an air traffic control system for unmanned aircraft.
This system, utilizing Iris's Casia G technology, aims to enable Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights, which are currently restricted for DroneUp.
Achieving BVLOS capabilities would significantly expand the reach and scalability of Walmart's drone delivery service, moving beyond existing 1.5-mile radius limitations.
The partnership seeks to address current FAA regulations for BVLOS operations, paving the way for wider and more efficient commercial drone deliveries.

See a mistake? Contact us.

DroneUp, the company powering drone deliveries for Walmart, on Friday announced a partnership with aviation safety firm Iris Automation to build what is essentially an air traffic control system for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).

The agreement could open up Walmart and DroneUp’s service, which is arguably the largest commercial drone delivery operation in the U.S., to flights beyond the visual line of sight (BVLOS) of the operator—something that has eluded the companies thus far.