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Swarm Robotics: Call for Research Papers

This is an invitation to all those interested or working in the field of swarm robotics to submit a paper to Nature.

Guest Editors: Dr Antonio Tsourdos of Cranfield University and Dr Henry Leung of Calgary University, Canada.

Submission deadline: 29 May 2025

Inspired by the collective behaviour of social insects, swarm robotics involves the coordination of large numbers of relatively simple robots, often relying on local interactions and decentralised control, to perform tasks that would be difficult or impossible for a single robot to accomplish. Potential applications of swarm robotics are diverse, including environmental monitoring, search and rescue, and medical applications.

This Collection welcomes original research from the fields of robotic and software engineering, as well as complex systems and network theory.

9 October 2024

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Great engagement at DroneX 2024 – ARPAS-UK’s Debrief

What a show! The quality of conversations at DroneX 2024 was high with what felt like more attendees than in previous years. We certainly barely stopped, to the extent that the only photo we took of the team at the show was taken at the end of the two days and after we’d packed up!

That includes our new member of staff, Annabel, who was thrown in at the deep end somewhat, having only joined us two weeks ago. However, her background in ROV-supported subsea inspection in the oil and gas industry combined with her natural curiosity about the drone industry are already proving that she will be an asset to ARPAS-UK and our membership. Welcome on board, Annabel!

ARPAS-UK taking part in CAA and DFT Panel

Highlights included the panel discussion moderated by Amanda Smith, Sellafield, with Sophie O’Sullivan, CAA, Vickie Murdy, UKRI, Anne-Lise Scaillierez, ARPAS-UK, and Louisa Smith, Apian, on “Unlocking Drones for UK industry: what can innovators, the regulator and government do to help?”. There was more audience than chairs in the theatre! Anne-Lise had the challenging task of sharing industry concerns

Our Keynote Presentation

Graham Brown, Chair, and Anne-Lise Scaillierez, CEO delivered a keynote address on industry updates and ARPAS-UK activities to support the industry. Their presentation can be accessed in this password protected post – MEMBERS ONLY

Part of the Jury for the AAM Innovation Award

Finally, Anne-Lise had the honour to be a judge together with Nicola Ridd, DfT, and Gary Smith, CAA, for the DroneX Advanced Air Mobility AAM Award. The jury delivered the AAM Award to Inteliports. 

In addition, don’t forget to:

So good to meet in person!

DroneX 2024 – the ARPAS-UK Team

26 September 2024

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Protected: ARPAS-UK launches BVLOS SIG Manifesto and SIG Launch Event

This content is password protected. To view it please enter your password below:

SAM IS ....
SkyLift announce the success of their most recent offshore heavy lift project with Ørsted

Over the course of just 10 flying days, SkyLift successfully delivered 5,460 kg of cargo to 94 wind turbines—an impressive 94 deliveries! In one day alone, they moved 1,150 kg of cargo. This achievement showcases the power of precision and teamwork.

The 70 kg drones – which have a wingspan of 2.6 m – can transport up to 100 kg of cargo and will help improve operational efficiency and safety while reducing carbon emissions from operating an offshore wind farm.

In this specific case, Orsted decided to update some critical evacuation and safety equipment in each of the wind turbines at the Dutch offshore wind farm. Normally, a vessel would sail from one wind turbine to the next, using several different cranes to lift each box to the top of the wind turbine. Instead, the drone simply flew back and forth from an offshore supply vessel directly to the top of the nacelle, allowing the company to update the equipment 10-15 times faster than normally.

This pioneering move marks a significant leap forward in operational efficiency and safety in the offshore wind industry.  The drone flight from the vessel to the turbine takes about four minutes per turbine, while the conventional approach without using drones can take approx. six hours. Taking vessel transport between the turbines and from-and-to shore into account, Ørsted has been able to complete the tasks at Borssele 10-15 times faster than normally.

Drones will reduce costs and time, improve operational safety and efficiency and will reduce carbon emissions due to fewer journeys by ship. This will all lead to further improve the commercial fundamentals of offshore wind for investors, governments, and corporations.

Read Moonrock’s interview with Harry Getliffe, COO of SkyLift.

Both SkyLift and Moonrock Drone Insurance are ARPAS-UK Members

21 August 2024

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Project Skyway Stakeholder Engagement Report

Project Skyway is part of Phase 3 of Innovate UK’s Future Flight Challenge Programme, exploring a drone superhighway for BVLOS flights.

Connected Places Catapult‘s role was to engage with various stakeholders to understand perceptions, expectations, and concerns about drones and BVLOS usage. Stakeholders see benefits like promoting UK innovation and enhancing sustainability but have concerns about the superhighway’s resilience and logistics.

Industry Perceptions: Industry stakeholders see potential benefits in sustainability, time-saving, and safety but have concerns about regulations, system resilience, and operational complexity

Report recommendations: The report concludes with recommendations on emphasizing transparent communication, independent regulation, and comprehensive risk mitigation to ensure successful implementation and public acceptance.

2 August 2024

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15 August 2024 Drone Related Jobs

Disclaimer: All jobs posted here are from LinkedIn and other job sites including member and non-member organizations.

ISS Aerospace is looking to recruit a UvX Software Systems Engineer.

View Job

Skyports are recruiting for several roles.

View Jobs

Skanska is looking to recruit an Engineering Surveyor Technician – Drone Pilot

View Job

Welsh Water are looking to recruit a UAV Drone Pilot

View Job

Panton McLeod is looking to recruit to their Graduate Programme, including working with drones

View Job

UK CAA

The CAA is looking to recruit an Airspace Modernisation Oversight – Associate

View Job

Archangel Imaging is looking to recruit an Embedded Software Engineer (AI for Drones)

View Job

Midwich are looking to recruit two roles:

  1. 1) Sales Manager – Drones & UAV
  2. 2) Technical Product Specialist – Drones & UAV
  3. View Jobs

Menapia are looking to recruit 4 roles:

  1. 1) Software Lead
  2. 2) UAS Software Developer
  3. 3) UAS Technician
  4. 4) UAS Electronics Engineer
  5. View Jobs

QuadRotor Services Ltd is looking to recruit a Drone Pilot

View Job

Ajuno are looking to recruit a Lead Project Manager – Robotic Technologies

View Job

SORA Aviation are looking to recruit for three roles:

1) Senior/Principal Design Engineer – Propeller Hub & Dynamics
2) Senior/Principal Stress Engineer – Loads & Aeroelastics
3) Senior/Principal Engineer – Flight Dynamics & Simulation

View Jobs

Lincolnshire Police are looking to recruit a Deputy Chief Drone Pilot

View Job

National Grid are looking to recruit a UAS Operations Lead

View Job

BAE Systems are looking to recruit a UAS Pilot

View Job

Sees.ai are looking to recruit a UAS Pilot Technician

View Job

Sonomatic are looking to recruit a Job: Senior UAV Operator / Project Manager.

View Job

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uAvionix Achieves FAA TSO Certification for ping200XR Combined Transponder and GPS Receiver, Expanding Airspace Access for UAS

uAvionix, a leader in avionics technology for Uncrewed Aircraft Systems (UAS), today announced that the ping200XR Mode S ADS-B transponder with integral aviation GPS, has received Technical Standard Order (TSO) certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This milestone is the latest major TSO certification for uAvionix and offers the lowest certified Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP) solution for worldwide airspace compliance.

The ping200XR TSO has received TSO-C112e and TSO-C166b for transponder and ADS-B functionality, TSO-C88b for its internal pressure altimeter, and TSO-C145e for the integral aviation GPS. Weighing only 52 grams and measuring 47 x 72 x 10mm, the ping200XR offers everything required for airspace access or for certified aircraft in a single enclosure. The ping200XR TSO ensures the aircraft can be detected by Secondary Surveillance Radar (SSR), Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems (TCAS), and ADS-B IN receivers, facilitating seamless integration into national and international airspace. 

“Receiving TSO certification for the ping200XR represents a significant achievement for uAvionix and underscores our commitment to advancing UAS technology in a way that prioritizes safety and compliance,” said Christian Ramsey, Chief Commercial Officer for uAvionix. “This approval from the FAA is a testament to the reliability and safety our products bring to the skies, enabling broader access and acceptance by regulators and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSP) worldwide.”

In its uncertified format, the ping200XR has been particularly popular with high altitude aircraft and balloons which must operate in Class A and above airspace. These certifications open the ping200XR TSO to markets which require certifications such as Europe, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. Additionally, the ping200XR TSO is particularly advantageous for aircraft seeking type certification such as future eVTOL/AAM platforms.

ping200XR TSO will begin shipping in September 2024.

Since its inception in 2015, uAvionix has been at the forefront of avionics for crewed and uncrewed aircraft, developing a suite of products that address the unique challenges of integrating uncrewed systems into the global airspace infrastructure. Each TSO-certified product from uAvionix not only paves the way for safer skies but also supports the expanding utility of UAS across commercial, government, and recreational sectors.

12 August 2024

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Framework for Future Flight in the UK: Principles from a deliberative Public Dialogue July 2024

The UKRI’s Future Flight Challenge (FFC) aims to position the UK as a leader in aviation by funding research and development of new flight technologies. A public dialogue was conducted to understand public views on Future Flight technologies, including non-passenger-carrying drones, eVTOLs, and electric/hydrogen Regional Air Mobility (RAM).

Alongside a wider programme of social science research funded by the Challenge, UKRI/Innovate UK commissioned this dialogue, which was led by the Future Flight Challenge Social Science Research Director and team based at the University of Birmingham. The dialogue was supported by UKRI’s Sciencewise programme and delivered by Thinks Insight & Strategy.

  • Principles for Development: Participants developed 14 principles for the roll-out of Future Flight technologies, emphasizing public good, safety, sustainability, accessibility, and affordability.
  • Concerns and Hopes: Participants expressed concerns about noise, visual pollution, safety, and affordability, but also saw potential benefits in improved connectivity, sustainability, and accessibility.

July 2024

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CAA CONSULTATION on DETECT AND AVOID POLICY due 19 Sep

The CAA policy consultation on their DAA policy concept is launched – seeking views on the proposed methodology and means of compliance. DAA is one of the cornerstones of integrated airspace, providing RPAS with the ability to ‘See and Avoid’ other air traffic, reducing the mid-air collision risk of RPAS operating in airspace with other users. With an agreed DAA methodology, the regulator and industry can work together towards making extended routine BVLOS operations in UK airspace become a reality. 

SAM IS ....
Commercial UAV Expo: Las Vegas, USA 3-5 September 2024

Sep 3: Outdoor Flying Demos, Exhibitor Showcases, Workshops, Welcome Reception
Sep 4-5: Conference, Keynotes, Networking Happy Hour, Exhibit Hall Theater  & Exhibits

Event Description
Commercial UAV Expo, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the world’s leading commercial drone trade show and conference focusing on the integration and operation of commercial UAS in select vertical markets.

2024 marks the 10th edition of Commercial UAV Expo, demonstrating a passionate continued commitment to the commercial UAS industry. Since its inception, Commercial UAV Expo has aimed to serve as an essential platform for collaboration, and knowledge exchange amid the ongoing growth and revolution of the commercial UAS sector – and this year is set to be its biggest yet.

ARPAS-UK has TWO free guest passes for the event to give to members. These are for the full 3-day conference passport, which includes all workshops, sessions, exhibits, receptions and AI-powered matchmaking. They do not include flights there, accommodation or any other expenses. They are available on a first come, first served basis. Please contact membership@arpas.uk

Commercial drone professionals are eagerly anticipating Commercial UAV Expo 2024, where they can look forward to critical, timely education delivered by industry leaders, opportunities to network and engage with peers, and the best opportunity of the year to see and learn about the newest technology through conference sessions, workshops, and live-action Outdoor Flying Demonstrations. The show floor features an expanded exhibit hall with an expected 225 industry-leading providers showcasing their latest UAS solutions including airframes, software, sensors, and services.  The event is expected to attract 3,750 commercial drone professionals from around the world and is backed by more than 300 associations and media companies.

The conference program provides actionable information in Keynote Presentations and industry focused panels, where drone innovators, regulators, and end-users share their expertise and vision and discuss the critical issues facing the industry; solutions-based conference sessions that offer practical, actionable education for professionals working with UAS across markets including construction, infrastructure, and energy & utilities; and in-depth conference sessions that provide up-to-the-minute information on topics that affect everyone in UAS, such as FAA regulations, BVLOS operations, technology adoption, accuracy requirements, safety, power, and more.

The Drone Pilot Hub is a new, dynamic space in the Commercial UAV Exhibit Hall that will feature content tailored for attendees who are new or current professional drone pilots. Learning opportunities include drone pilot preparations for Part 107 tests, discussion of standard operating procedures and best practices for flights, and details of regulation and documentation.

Commercial UAV Expo and Commercial UAV News are organized by Diversified Communications, a global event producer that also organizes Commercial UAV Expo Europe, Digital Construction Week and Geo Business (London, UK), and Geo Week (Denver, CO).

Keynotes:

This year’s Commercial UAV Expo keynotes are set to define what it means to accelerate commercial viability for drone technology on a whole new level. Keynoters will answer these questions and more while also outlining developments that will have a profound impact on the entire drone industry.

  • What are some of the most pivotal changes, challenges, and implications shaping the landscape of commercial drone regulation from the FAA?
  • What does it mean for a “drone champion” to define efficiencies that the technology can unlock for large organizations in the public and private sectors?

Reasons to attend:

  •  Are we finally beyond the hype? For years, drone technology rode a wave of speculative excitement, promising explosive growth. While this hype proved unsustainable and led to industry consolidation, it was rooted in a genuine vision of the value drones could offer. In 2024, that value is finally being demonstrably quantified, marking a clear shift into a post-hype era. However, the question remains: has the industry definitively climbed out of the initial slump, or is it merely on an upward trajectory? Whether the technology is fully through the trough or on an upward slope will be a major topic of discussion at Commercial UAV Expo.
  •  What are the top real-world use cases of drone technology?
    Commercial UAV Expo is set to showcase the tangible impact drones are delivering across industries in a whole new way. In Energy & Utilities, drones are optimizing operations and inspections. In Construction, they’re creating value out of thin air. For Critical Infrastructure Inspections, they’re enhancing safety and efficiency. These specifics will be broken down in separate education tracks, each of which will feature multiple case studies that will outline exactly where and how the technology is creating value.
  •  Will Part 108 redefine commercial drone regulation?
    Part 107 unlocked a new era for commercial drones, but Part 108 could be an even bigger milestone. This groundbreaking FAA rule will unleash a wave of lucrative opportunities and supercharge existing applications, allowing drones to truly scale across countless industries. This topic will be specifically explored during a Part 108 brief but will dominate conversations across the program and floor.
  •  What does it mean for the drone pilot community to come together?
    As the commercial drone industry evolves, so do the opportunities for drone pilots. Technological leaps, evolving regulations, and growing industry recognition are fueling these opportunities, but how can pilots best navigate these new developments? And who can pilots look to for support? For the first time ever, Commercial UAV Expo will offer dedicated education and networking—designed specifically for drone pilots—to answer these questions individually but also for the larger drone pilot community.
  •  What’s the latest for drones and AI?
    The UAV industry is at the forefront of breakthroughs in automation and artificial intelligence (AI). Drone data is being utilized to create detailed 3D models for inspections, and it is also guiding drones through areas with no GPS signal, all of which is happening thanks to AI-enabled innovations. From streamlined flight plans to advanced security systems to operations that counter rogue drones, AI is making a difference in multiple sectors. Commercial UAV Expo will showcase how drone companies are harnessing automation and AI to make their operations more efficient, safer, and more profitable.
  •  Who are the individuals and organizations defining the future of the industry?
    The drone industry is defined by the innovators, visionaries, and disruptors who are bringing fresh approaches to current challenges. This year’s program features individuals who are shaping the present and future of the industry, while the exhibit floor will feature industry stalwarts that are doing the same. Additionally, several companies that are new to Commercial UAV Expo will be showcasing their products and services. Discover the established giants and rising stars who are shaping the future of drones.