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7 Platform one New Mavic Pro software includes automatic return to its launch location Fight control Clear steering package DJI has developed new flight control software for its foldable Mavic Pro UAV that includes object detection for both tracking and collision avoidance (writes Nick Flaherty). The FlightAutonomy software uses a network of five cameras with two ultrasonic rangefinders and satellite navigation, with the software running on 24 processor cores. An updated version of DJI’s ActiveTrack recognises common subjects such as people, bicyclists, cars, boats and animals, and then sends Mavic Pro to follow behind, lead in front, circle above or track alongside the subject, keeping the camera focused on the subject. The UAV is set to return automatically to its launch location if it loses contact with the controller or reaches critically low battery levels. A new Precision Landing feature also records a burst of video with two stereo cameras every time the UAV launches, then uses video and satellite information when it returns to land within an inch of where it took off. If a pilot lets go of the controls, the drone will simply hover in place. FlightAutonomy can position, navigate and plan routes for the Mavic Pro, with or without the help of satellite signals. This provides a significant boost in working range to 27 minutes of flight time and can cope with complex 3D environments, avoiding obstacles at speeds of up to 36 kph and will remain stable in winds up to 38.5 kph by using the sensors. DJI also has a new communications technology called OcuSync that supports a range up to 7 km and combines system commands for video transmission with different levels of responsiveness. This reduces latency to 5 ms for remote controller transmission commands, 10 ms for video data and 130 ms for videos. Before taking off, OcuSync will scan the environment and choose the frequency band with the lowest interference, ensuring more stable video transmission. Unmanned Systems Technology | October/November 2016 Autopilot specialist Skycircuits is working with UK UAV designer VulcanUAV on a new generation of software for high reliability multi-rotor UAVs with high levels of redundancy (writes Nick Flaherty). “What’s important is to blend the innovation of the unmanned sector with safety and integrity from the manned sector,” said Jonathan Webber, CEO of Callen Lenz, the parent company of Skycircuits. “VulcanUAV handles larger UAV platforms, and we have a mutual interest in looking at even larger multi-rotor platforms that have redundancy in motors and data links, as well as the integrity of the software that would allow use in more complex environments and starting to introduce systems alongside manned aircraft,” he said. “We have operated UAVs inside and outside controlled airspace, and we are looking to bring our knowledge of high- integrity [HI] software development into unmanned systems for HI flight control systems that are affordable at the high end of the small UAV market. “Vulcan’s high-end platforms carry £50,000-100,000 worth of sensors, and it’s critical that you have a HI system and can use that in a complex environment.” The chief software manager at Callen Lenz was on the panel for the DO-178C specification, which accepts formal methods for safety qualifications, and the company is having informal talks about the development of a certifiable system. “We are looking to develop a flight controller up to [the highest] level A safety certification, but probably level B or C will be required for a 250 kg drone operating a spoke-to-hub delivery service,” said Webber. High-integrity software due Redundancy