Australian drone manufacturer Carbonix and drone data management platform provider Aerial Vantage have successfully conducted their first commercial flights in Michigan. The ongoing campaign, with missions scheduled every two weeks, aims to leverage advanced drone capabilities and AI data processing to extract valuable insights.
These initial missions are part of a larger aerial remote sensing project in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). The project aims to provide Michigan farmers with advanced data to promote sustainability, enhance water and nutrient management, and improve crop yield forecasting.
The flights also mark the first collaboration between Carbonix and New Hampshire-based ArgenTech Solutions. ArgenTech will pilot the missions using Carbonix's all-electric fixed-wing UAV called Volanti. The collected data will then be delivered to Aerial Vantage's Drone Data Management Platform, Accelerate. Accelerate utilizes AI and machine learning to process and analyze drone imagery along with satellite imagery and other data, enabling predictions for crop yields, quality, and pricing in commodities markets.
The combination of advanced drone capabilities, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations, and sophisticated AI technology will drive cost efficiencies in data acquisition and processing, significantly reducing management costs and improving yield per acre.
Philip van der Burg, CEO of Carbonix, expressed the significance of this mission for the company, saying, "Michigan is one of the largest states in the US with vast areas to be covered, allowing us to fully utilize BVLOS capabilities. This will bring about substantial operating efficiencies and cost reductions, particularly for large-scale agricultural scanning projects like this one for the MDARD. Participating in these real-world missions showcases the opportunities that lie ahead as drone capabilities advance and revolutionize industries, redefining aerial operations and empowering businesses worldwide. Together, we are pioneering the future of autonomous flight, driving innovation, and shaping a world where drones are catalysts for progress."
Michael Dalley, CEO of Aerial Vantage, expressed enthusiasm for their involvement in this groundbreaking endeavor, stating, "The successful completion of these missions marks just the beginning of an ambitious and highly scalable campaign. By harnessing the power of advanced drones and cutting-edge AI technology, we are revolutionizing the way aerial operations are conducted. Our partnership with Carbonix is not only about pushing the boundaries of long-range unmanned flight, but also about creating real-world solutions for various industries. Through our collaboration with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we are at the forefront of enhancing farming technologies, promoting sustainability, and improving crop yield forecasting."
This partnership, combined with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development's commitment to agricultural advancement, sets the stage for future developments in farming technologies and sustainable practices.
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