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Chip makers Qualcomm and Nvidia are going head to head with the latest silicon technology for UAV systems. Chinese UAV maker DJI has developed an embedded processor board for adding machine learning to small UAV systems using Nvidia’s K1 processor. The Manifold board uses Nvidia’s Tegra K1 quad-core ARM Cortex-A15 processor and 192 graphics processing unit (GPU) cores with clock speeds of up to 2.2 GHz. This will open up machine learning and artificial intelligence in aerial platforms by using Nvidia’s software development tools and libraries that already include these technologies, according to DJI. It weighs less than 200 g and consumes a maximum of 15 W. Meanwhile Qualcomm Research has launched what it calls a ‘drone development platform’. Snapdragon Flight is the first UAV- specific development board and is based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon 801 series processor. This includes four of Qualcomm’s Krait 400 processor cores, based on the ARM 32-bit architecture running up to 2.5 GHz, and the Adreno 330 graphics processing unit. Real-time flight control algorithms can be run on the Hexagon DSP processor in the chip, and wi-fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and automotive-grade GPS are included on a board that measures 58 x 40 mm. It also includes support for a 21 megapixel camera sensor and fast charging of the battery system with QuickCharge 2.0 technology. Although this is two generations behind the 820 processor used in the latest Android phones, the software development tools are the same, allowing rapid software development and testing. General access to a development board will be available in early 2016. UAV boards in launch double Onboard processing DJI’s Manifold board will allow UAVs to incorporate machine learning and AI Innovative Lightweight Power AIE internal-combustion rotary powerplants offer a power density that will redefine the capabilities of unmanned systems that use them. Thermally balanced, long-lasting, and compact, they generate more power with less weight and volume than conceivably imagined. www.aieuk.com Visit us at AUVSI’s XPONENTIAL 2016 New Orleans! 40S-5hp 225CS-40hp 650CS-120hp • Innovative SPARCS liquid cooling system • Industry-leading power-to-weight ratio • 5hp, 20hp, 40hp, 120hp variants • Heavy-fuel operation • Low vibration • No oil loss • Clean