ACSL, a prominent Japanese drone manufacturer, has announced the release of its advanced smart controller, TENSO, along with substantial upgrades to its flagship SOTEN drone and future platform enhancements.
The TENSO smart controller is designed to enhance the efficiency of drone operations in the field. Utilizing the AES256 encryption communication protocol, similar to that used by the US government for classified information, TENSO is ideal for sensitive drone operations. The controller is built to withstand challenging conditions, featuring a robust construction with an operating temperature range of 14°F to 104°F and an IP43 rating for dust and splash resistance. Weighing 2.3 lbs and offering 3 hours of battery life, TENSO is both portable and functional.
“We know that having a dedicated smart controller makes a significant difference in the ease of use, efficiency, and performance when working in the field,” said Cynthia Huang, CEO of ACSL, Inc. “TENSO is a welcome addition to our lineup as we expand the SOTEN footprint in North America, bringing on more customers seeking a robust ecosystem that matches their needs.”
The TENSO's user interface is designed for simplicity and ease of use, featuring a 5” display with 1080p resolution and up to 1000 nits of brightness, suitable for various lighting conditions including direct sunlight. The controller boasts a 2.5-mile operating range, 2.4 GHz operating frequency, and compatibility with WiFi and LTE for reliable connectivity. Up to three controllers, whether standard or smart, can be linked to a SOTEN drone during live operations.
TENSO will be available for purchase in September at $2800 USD and as part of select SOTEN operation-ready bundles. More details can be found on ACSL’s dealer locator page.
Since SOTEN's introduction to the US market earlier this year, ACSL has collaborated with strategic partners and early adopters, including Ameren, New York Power Authority, and Firmatek. The company has integrated feedback from these partners into several significant updates for SOTEN.
Key upgrades to the SOTEN drone include:
- Reduced Video Latency: A 25% reduction in real-time video latency improves the operator's viewing experience.
- Customizable Gimbal Control: New modes and tunable parameters allow pilots to customize gimbal movement. Gimbal speed now adjusts automatically based on zoom level for precise control.
- Direct Exposure Control: Pilots can quickly adjust image exposure to reveal hidden details in shadows or bright backgrounds, essential for inspection missions.
- Universal Compatibility: The standard controller now supports a wider range of Android devices.
- US Remote ID Compliance: SOTEN’s firmware now fully complies with US remote ID regulations as accepted by the FAA.
Looking ahead, ACSL’s Global CTO, Dr. Chris Raabe, emphasized the company's commitment to continuous improvement and innovation. “ACSL is committed to continuous improvement and innovation. We have a humble and dedicated R&D team that earnestly considers every piece of feedback and enthusiastically strives to provide a better product,” said Raabe.
Future enhancements include:
- Expanded range of swappable payloads
- Additional countermeasures against camera vibration
- Dual-band (2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz) radio link for improved performance in noisy environments
- Automatic continuation of mapping missions following battery swaps
- Capability to monitor and control the aircraft via LTE cellular network
- RTK module add-on for centimeter-level positional accuracy
- Further reductions in real-time video latency
These advancements underscore ACSL’s ongoing efforts to deliver cutting-edge drone technology tailored to the needs of its users.
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